Bungling thieves thought to have stolen a large graffiti artwork probably thought it was a valuable Banksy mural, its creator believes. The stencil painting was to have been the centrepiece of a new street art initiative designed to brighten up empty buildings across North Wales.
The artist involved, D.N.Z-UK, has claimed authorship of five stunning murals that have appeared in Denbighshire and Flintshire this week. But he was left distraught by the disappearance of an artwork in the genteel seaside resort of Rhos on Sea, Conwy, less than 12 hours after it was painted.
This piece, featuring an angler hooking a fish-shaped bikini bra, was the first of the murals to be created. It was intended to kickstart the artist’s campaign to grow the art community in North Wales. The artwork was painted last Sunday night (January 12) onto metal sheets covering the windows of an empty property.
“It was going to hopefully kickstart a local buzz for all the murals that were going to be produced in the series,” said D.N.Z. “After spending a while painting it, and avoiding the authorities – we had one close call with the police – I took some photos once it was completed.
“An accomplice then returned the next morning around 8.30am to capture some daylight photographs. However the artwork had been stolen. Unsure by who or why – somebody had unscrewed the metal sheets and taken them.
“At first it was a shock, as I never got to capture any good photographs of the piece. But I’m more upset the locals never got to see and enjoy the mural. It made me realise that the rest of the murals had to be painted onto structures that couldn’t be stolen.”
Over following nights, D.N.Z created a cow mural in Mold and a knight on horseback in Ruthin – you can see there here. In a semi-circular tour of the region, he also painted an owl in a Trefnant bus shelter, a pheasant on a commercial garage in St Asaph and a boy with an umbrella on Rhyl promenade. It left social media awash with praise at the quality of the artworks.
The installation at Rhos Point, once a popular tourist spot with a fish tackle shop. Ironically, before it was taken, the artist narrowly avoided being spotted by passing police when painting his clandestine artwork
(Image: D.N.Z-UK)
On reflection, D.N.Z saw an amusing side to the loss of his Rhos on Sea mural. “Later, I found it funny that somebody decided to steal this ‘Banksy’ in the early hours of the morning,” said the stencil artist. “They must have moved the big metal sheets into what I imagine was a van, only for them to find out that it wasn’t going to make them rich!
“Fair play to them, it must have taken quite some effort to transport it away. Maybe now they know it’s not a Banksy they will return it – but I’m not hopeful.” Given the nature of his work, D.N.Z has not logged the disappearance with the police.
It’s been a mixed start for an artist who is originally from North Wales but who is now based in London. He recently learnt he’s been shortlisted in the “Emerging British Artist of the Year 2025” category for The Dubel Prize awards for “exceptionally talented” artists.
As well as street art, D.N.Z produces gallery canvases and the shortlisting means he will be producing his first ever solo exhibition, to be staged in the Red Eight Gallery in the Royal Exchange, London. His work has been described as “bold and innovative” and some of it has featured in the US on the streets of Denver and Florida.
More is on display in Los Angeles and D.N.Z fears the worst for his work in the fire-ravaged city. “I believe almost half has survived and untouched,” he said. “But I’m not 100% sure on that.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
The empty space left by the metal shutters
(Image: D.N.Z-UK)
Despite his setback in Rhos on Sea, D.N.Z is determined to keep pushing the art scene in North Wales. He hopes councils and businesses will take note of the positive public reception to his recent mural series, and is willing to engage with them on future projects.
He said: “I did this to try and kick some kind of art scene off in North Wales. There are so many talented local artists who should be hired by local businesses to paint murals on empty walls – this would help businesses, artists and town centres gain mutually beneficial recognition.
“I would like local councils to help commission artists to brighten up some places – maybe even convert empty buildings into affordable art studios or gallery spaces for exhibitions. This would enable local talent or groups to showcase their work while keeping empty buildings from going derelict.
“I’m willing to speak and work with councils and businesses who may be open to any ideas to grow the art community in North Wales. There’s real potential to develop a thriving community for artists and young kids to expand their skills and passions.”
D.N.Z’s five surviving artworks in North Wales have been labelled “Banksy-style”. Given the clandestine nature of his work, he won’t disclose his identity and is enigmatic when it comes to links with the celebrated street artist.
“Who knows what kind of connections D.N.Z has to Banksy?” he said. “There are many similarities and the majority of the works are mistaken for the world-famous artist. Maybe there is some connection… perhaps a plant to keep the artist’s style going? Who knows?”
Neither will he disclose the intended meaning of his lost fishing artwork from Rhos on Sea. Instead, he will leave people to their own interpretations. “I enjoy reading different people’s theories what the works mean to them,” he said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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