Who is Banksy? One of the most famous artists in the world

Banksy's works are known all over the world, but his identity is a complete mystery to fans around the globe.

The artist known as Banksy is one of the most famous artists in the world. Banksy's works sell for millions of dollars and his clientele includes A-list celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Christina Aguilera.

Many of his immersive works contain political undertones and highlight global issues in artistic form, while others depict lighter, more playful themes.

Banksy is an artist whose works are widely known, but whose identity remains top secret. (Ray Tang/Anadolu via Getty Images and Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Fans of the elusive artist believe Banksy has completed a week-long series of artworks featuring a gorilla silhouette

The mystery surrounding Banksy remains, but of course there is also speculation about who the famous artist could be.

1. How did Banksy become famous?
2. What was Banksy's first painting?
3. What is Banksy’s real identity?
4. What is Banksy's most expensive artwork?

1. How did Banksy become famous?

Banksy is said to come from Bristol, England.

Banksy became famous as a graffiti artist through his spray-painted stencil designs in Bristol.

Despite his unknown identity, Banksy has received widespread recognition, including being named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010. In the photo submitted to the magazine, Banksy concealed his identity by pulling a paper bag over his head.

The first artwork created by Banksy was “The Mild Mild West”. (Andrew Michael/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Banksy has also made a name for himself in Hollywood. In 2006, Banksy's works were featured in the film “Children of Men”.

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In 2010, Banksy made a documentary called “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” which was nominated for an Oscar.

2. What was Banksy's first painting?

Banksy’s first work was a stencil mural entitled “The Mild Mild West.”

The work was painted in 1999 in the Stokes Croft district of Bristol.

The mural shows a teddy bear with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, ready to throw it at three riot police officers.

Since then, Banksy has created many well-known works, including “Pulp Fiction,” a work depicting a scene from the 1994 film, and “Love Is In The Air,” also known as “Flower Thrower,” which was installed on the West Bank wall in Israel.

“Love is in the Air” is one of the anonymous artist’s most famous pieces. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

3. What is Banksy’s real identity?

To date, Banksy has not officially identified himself, but theories about who the famous artist is have been circulating for decades.

One theory is that Banksy is Robert Del Naja, the frontman of the band Massive Attack. This speculation is based mainly on the fact that murals by the artist have appeared in places where the band has performed.

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Interest in exploring the artist's true identity has continued to grow, especially in 2023 when a 2003 interview with a BBC reporter resurfaced. Although Banksy's face was not visible in the video, the reporter asked him if his real name was “Robert Banks,” and the artist replied, “I'm Robbie.”

Many people visit Banksy’s paintings to take photos and admire the haunting work. (Carl Court/Getty Images)

One of the most common speculations is that Banksy is Robin Gunningham. Other suspects are Jamie Hewlett and Neil Buchanan.

Although speculation became public and evidence was sought, the artist never identified himself as this or any other person.

4. What is Banksy's most expensive artwork?

Banksy’s most expensive work is called “Love Is In the Bin”.

According to Guinness World Records, the artwork was sold at Sotheby's in London on October 14, 2021 for £18,582,000 ($25,327,400).

This iconic artwork began as the famous “Girl with a Balloon.” Once the artwork was sold, it began to move downwards in the frame and crumble into shreds. There was a shredder in the bottom of the artwork that made the shocking trick possible.

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One of Banksy's most famous works is also his most profitable: it sold for $25,327,400 in 2021. (Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images)

Originally, the artwork depicted a girl with her arm outstretched, reaching for a heart-shaped balloon that was out of her reach.

When it was sold in October 2021, the bottom half of the artwork had been carefully torn into strips, leaving only the heart balloon exposed.