Graffiti artist hoaxer strikes again in Nottingham
A GRAFFITI artist has called into question Nottingham's love for the legend Robin Hood.
A silhouette of Robin Hood, complete with a walking stick, has appeared just yards away from the statue in his honour near Nottingham Castle.
The artist has also penned a poem inspired by the closure of The Tales of Robin Hood tourist attraction.
Both have appeared on the side and front of a building next to the Lace Centre, in Castle Gate.
The artist behind the graffiti is claiming to be 'Questionmarc' –- the same person who last month put up official-looking signs in Nottingham stating that public urination was permitted.
On a dedicated website, called www.questionmarc.co.uk, the artist explained the reasoning for the latest stunt.
Questionmarc, who is thought to be a woman, said: "Visit Nottingham where you can look at a castle that's not really a castle, stand outside museums that shut down years ago and have your picture taken with a broken statue of Robin Hood."
The poem, entitled 'Robin Who?' reads: "Nottingham, Nottingham how we love thee.
The land of legends and mystery.
But the pilgrims here have nothing to see.
No Robin Hood and nowhere to pee."
The website also show pictures of last month's public urination sign prank.
In a recorded message to the Evening Post, Questionmarc, warned that she "will be back".
She said the signs – which appeared around the city before Christmas – were a reminder that there were so many pubs in Nottingham but no toilets after closing time. She also called into question the use of longer licensing hours.
The signs which were put up last month displayed a male toilet logo with text saying "Public urination permitted after 7.30pm."
They were accompanied by an official-looking, laminated letter in Nottingham City Council-headed paper which claimed the urination points were an "attempt to reduce late-night nuisance during the holiday period" and "address the growing problem of householders having to clean up after late-night revellers."
Nottingham City Council warned it was an offence to urinate in public.
bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
27 Comments
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by Lou, Nottingham
Thursday, January 22 2009, 10:05PM
“Absolutely love it! Even tho its not Bansky by a mile. This is Art with a message unlike the tag graffiti "artists".”
by The Equaliser, Pastures New
Thursday, January 22 2009, 7:45PM
“It might be termed 'criminal damage' and so it would be if the council took action against the perpetrators. However, this case seems to be a protest. Perhaps Jon Collins and his smug band of present day outlaws would do well to listen to protest.
The way many people feel about being marginalized and having parasites in high places bleed them dry through charges and penalties could progress to open revolt.
Then the bills for cleaning up would grow out of all proportion.
Does the Council's insurance cover rioting.
The cost of rebuilding the Council House would come to a pretty sum!
Only a thought . . . .”
by Dan, Nottingham
Thursday, January 22 2009, 5:33PM
“I usually protest wholeheartedly against graffiti, especially the untalented, lowlife 'taggers' whose attempts at 'art' really are nothing short of pathetic. However, both of these pranks carried out by Questionmarc are awesome and this person is fast becoming a Nottingham legend! We have no public toilets... apart from one down a tiny alley which hardly anyone can find... and now the Tales has shut down, we have nothing related to Robin Hodd... the Council can't even be bothered to repair the statue! This is not mindless graffiti but an admirable and intelligent way of protesting against our pathetic Council! Far better than the gaudy Nazi-esque propaganda banners which litter our city in the Jon Collins era.”
by daleabb, nottingham
Thursday, January 22 2009, 4:43PM
“I think robin looks quite good like the walking stick, lets have more,,
as regards the cost of removal
How much does it cost to remove all john collins graffiti ?”
by soo, arnold
Thursday, January 22 2009, 4:03PM
“Oh dear ! what a boring lot some of you Notties and Burbs are "CRIMINAL DAMAGE " "SHE ...AS IN PEE "(blokes have less control than women on average for peeing in public ...is a stat ... see I can do boring too) LIGHTEN UP it's great .....should u tube it MR or Mrs artist I totally agree on both and all points you made and had a laugh as no lasting serious damage was done ........ unlike the vandal stone masons in the square LOL (and Tourists do)”