Banksy-inspired artwork by Ripple CEO sparks debate in XRP community

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently posted a piece of art on social media, which got the XRP community excited.

The artwork, a stenciled image of a sad chimpanzee holding a sign reading “Laugh now, but one day XRP will power the world,” is a reworking of the famous “Laugh now but one day we will.” by Banksy. “In charge” painting.

Garlinghouse revealed that he had been holding on to this work for some time and decided to share it in the current market environment. This post received mixed reactions within the XRP community, reflecting the varying sentiments surrounding the cryptocurrency.

The release of the artwork generated varied reactions from the XRP community. Some members expressed optimistic feelings, interpreting the artwork as a symbol of future success. Vet, an operator of UNL’s XRP Ledger, suggested Garlinghouse create the artwork on the XRP Ledger. The move could signify the resilience and determination of the XRP community in its ongoing battle with the SEC.

However, not everyone perceived the artwork positively. Some community members cited XRP’s disappointing price performance, down 84% from its all-time high, as cause for concern. The timing of Garlinghouse’s post, coming amid Ripple’s legal fight with the SEC, has drawn criticism. These various comments show the community’s different perspectives on the future possibilities of XRP.

The influence and symbolism of Banksy

Banksy, a pseudonymous English street artist, frequently includes monkeys as a recurring element in his works. The first ‘Laugh Now’ sculpture debuted in 2000 at a guerrilla show in East London. Variations of these artworks have since appeared in Banksy exhibitions, representing a watershed in his transition from street artist to political activist.

The slaughtered chimpanzee in Garlinghouse’s work could reflect the XRP community. This community has experienced a variety of issues, including regulatory oversight and market instability. However, the artwork depicts a bright future in which XRP could play a key role in the global financial system.

Reactions and impact on the market

Prominent members of the community also gave their opinions on the significance of the artwork. Amélie, a crypto commentator with over 42,000 followers on X, expressed her pride in owning the digital asset. She pointed out that XRP is the largest coin ever created. Similarly, JackTheRippler, another community member with over 216,000 followers, compared XRP to the next Bitcoin. These approvals reflect a segment of the community that remains optimistic about the potential of XRP.