Banksy's 'Elephant' Tank Artwork in L.A. Was Home to a Man Named Tachowa Covington

Categories: Arts News

Thumbnail image for banksy elephant ted soqui.JPG
Ted Soqui
Banksy's 'Elephant.'
You can live in art (architect R.M. Schindler's work is often an object of desire in L.A.) if you have the means.

But for an otherwise homeless guy named Tachowa Covington, artful shelter came to him for free. And then it was taken away.

Turns out that Banksy-tagged tank near Malibu was the man's house, and now that it's been hauled off and put up for sale, Covington might be living al fresco, according to Vandalog (via LAist).

Vandalog reports that he lived in the tank, on which the famous British artist stenciled the words "this looks a bit like an elephant" for seven years, and that he was seen there as recently as September.

LAist puts the tank off PCH near the line between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades/Los Angeles (not, as we said previously, in Malibu).

Banksy was in town last month for the Academy Awards, where his documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop was up for best documentary (it didn't win).

His work was spotted around town, torn down, stolen and removed.

Now it looks like it's being sold as well.

Vandalog wonders if the words Banksy stenciled reference the idea of the big elephant in the room -- homelessness -- and suggests maybe the artist knew someone lived there.

As such, maybe Covington and the piece are inseparable, and its value should only be considered in the context of his inhabitancy -- and its place near the sea.

My Voice Nation Help
3 comments
Jeremyinseattle
Jeremyinseattle

banksy paid tachowa 20,000 dollars so tachowa is not homeless anymore

pants125
pants125

Tachowa told me he donated half of the $20,000 to his friends because he's never had money before and he is now living in a motel while he waits for this film to be done and hopefully secure a new permanent residence and live off the proceeds of his art projects.

http://www.pegasusnews.com/new...

Maruco de Rothschild
Maruco de Rothschild

David de Rothschild is wise. He understand the sound of the wave and an environmental change. With world surfers.

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

General

©2013 LA Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Los Angeles

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city