Banksy

Banksy is an enigmatic British street artist whose works have captivated global audiences and sparked widespread debate about art, politics, and social issues. Emerging in the late 1990s, Banksy’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, which has only heightened the allure surrounding his art.

Banksy’s work continues to challenge conventional ideas of art ownership and value, as he remains committed to the principle that art should be accessible to all.

Most recently the anonymous street artist took to the streets of London to create new artworks in his signature spray-painted stencil style. These artworks, which were secretly painted all feature a favoured subject of the artist’s – animals. Although Banksy has not confirmed the name of this new series, critics have dubbed it ‘the London Zoo series’, a name that is likely to stick. Could this be the start of a new major project by Banksy? While you wait to hear what is next from the world’s favourite street artist, you can explore our available artworks by Banksy below.

Banksy Biography

Banksy is the pseudonym of an anonymous street artist, activist, and film director thought to be born in Bristol in 1973, although his true identity remains a subject of speculation. Banksy first became known for the highly visible and satirical graffiti he executed in the U.K. in the early 1990s, and later further afield in Europe and the U.S.

During the 1990s, Banksy created his graffiti freehand, but he claimed to have moved to using stencils in 2000 when he was hiding from the police underneath a lorry and noticed the stencilled serial number. Banksy's immediately recognisable stencils feature striking and humorous images that are often combined with witty and satirical slogans, often anti-war, anti-capitalist, or anti-establishment in nature.

Despite the subversive nature of his work, Banksy has achieved significant recognition in the mainstream art world. His pieces have been featured in prominent galleries and exhibitions, and his art has fetched millions at auctions. Notable works include “Girl with Balloon”, “There Is Always Hope”, and “The Flower Thrower”, each of which has become iconic in its own right. Banksy’s influence extends beyond the art world; his pieces often ignite public discourse on important societal issues, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths in a visually arresting way.

In addition to his visual art, Banksy has also directed films, most notably the Oscar-nominated documentary *Exit Through the Gift Shop*, which blurs the lines between reality and fiction while exploring the world of street art. Whether adorning the walls of city streets or selling for record-breaking sums at auction, Banksy’s art remains a powerful and influential force that continues to provoke thought and inspire action worldwide.