Andrew Bruce for Citywealth Magazine

Andrew Bruce was recently quoted in Citywealth Magazine as part of Karen Jones' most recent article, "The new politics of art. Who gains and who loses when artworks become statements."

Art and Activism 2025 explores how contemporary artists are reshaping the relationship between creativity and political action through works that challenge institutions, provoke public reaction and test legal boundaries. When discussing "preservation and legality. What happens when activist art enters public space" Andrew Bruce is quoted, highlighting the recent example of Banksy's intervention on the Royal Courts of Justice in London. 

“Banksy is perhaps the best-known British activist artist. In September 2025 he depicted a wigged and gowned judge hitting a protester with a gavel. This work appeared on a wall at the side of the Royal Courts of Justice in London. However, it did not remain in situ for long. It was covered and then cleaned off as HM Courts and Tribunals Service argued the building it had been painted upon was listed. This highlights a difficulty of preserving what might be considered important and valuable art when, in order to make a political point, the art is situated on what might be considered a cultural asset.” The example shows that laws intended to protect historic buildings can also be used to remove or prevent political artworks placed on those same sites.

Click here to read the full article.