Despite a very public career covering the world in guerrilla art, Banksy's true identity has remained unknown.
Banksy is the nom de guerre of a prolific English graffiti artist, political activist, director and painter whose true identity has remained unknown, despite his very public career. His stencil technique street art can be seen across the world, making social and political commentary in satirical and sardonic ways that many have labeled as guerrilla art.
He also created the groundbreaking 2010 documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop. From the absurd to the provocative to the acerbic, Banksy’s art has been witnessed across the globe:
Banksy In The United Kingdom
Banksy began his career in the Bristol graffiti scene in the early 90s,as a hybrid stencil/freehand graffiti artist. By the turn of the century, he had moved completely to stencils as a way to create more intricate pieces in the quickest way possible to avoid detection. Most of his work in the UK can be found in Bristol and London.
Banksy in the United States
Banksy has made several appearances in the United States, with stops in LA, San Francisco, New York, and New Orleans. His work in America tends to comment on the failure of the American dream and American society, as well as a critique of the United States relationship with the rest of the planet.
Banksy’s Guerrilla Art In Palestine
In 2005, Banksy daringly painted nine pieces on the West Bank wall between Israel and Palestine. The pieces sardonically criticize the treatment of the Palestinian people. The wall, Banksy says, “essentially turns Palestine into the world’s largest open prison.” Here is one tense exchange he had with an Israeli soldier:
Soldier: What the f*** are you doing?
Banksy: You’ll have to wait until it’s finished.
Soldier (to colleagues): Safety’s off.
