Joe Lycett edits Observer New Review

Fake ads, real politics: the art of Foka Wolf, the ‘Birmingham Banksy’ – in pictures

Anonymous street artist Foka Wolf uses the language of advertising to highlight political and social issues, from the PPE crisis to food banks. “I grew up in a low income, single-parent household,” he says, “so I take it very fucking personally when people in power try and demonise those who are broke and voiceless.” Known as the Birmingham Banksy (“I prefer Poundland Banksy”), Wolf has fooled countless people with his fake billboards. “There’s a lot of power in putting words on paper. One poster was offering students money to grow 23 pairs of ears on their back and quite a few people were up for it.” During tough political times, does it get harder to make satire? “Easier. More dickheads – more targets.”

Genocide in Progress

Hot Piss

Lairy

Earn Quick Easy Cash

Food Bank

Have You Been Scammed By the Govermment?

Eat. Your. Children.

Exit Reality

Ignore the Kids