Banksy

Banksy is the pseudonymous English street artist and activist known for satirical, politically charged works created in public spaces. Emerging from the Bristol underground scene in the 1990s, Banksy has become one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary street art, though his true identity has not been officially confirmed.

His technique relies on stencils and spray paint, producing often stark black-and-white imagery with occasional color. The works address anti-war, anti-capitalism, surveillance, and social inequality, frequently employing humor and irony. They are often created in public locations, sometimes with little or no permission, and can be temporary or relocated by others.

Notable pieces include Girl with a Balloon and Flower Thrower, as well as large-scale projects such as the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem (2017) and the Dismaland bemusement park (2015). His work has appeared globally on public walls and buildings and can command high prices when removed from site; in 2018, Girl with a Balloon partially shred itself immediately after sale at Sotheby’s, a stunt widely reported in the media.

Identity remains unconfirmed; Banksy has avoided formal appearances and released only limited statements and films. The artist’s anonymity, along with high-profile installations and unauthorized street art, has contributed to a perception of him as a leading figure in the global street-art movement while also fueling debates about vandalism, commercialization, and the boundaries between art and public space.