Banksy is the anonymous British artist best known for sharp, stencilled works that first appeared on the streets of Bristol in the 1990s. His images blend dark humour with social and political commentary, and often turn everyday walls into stage sets for quiet protest. Because he works without permission, he uses stencils for speed and clarity, which has become a hallmark of his style.
Recurring themes in his work include war, consumerism, surveillance and the power of authority. Pieces such as Girl with Balloon, Kissing Coppers and The Mild Mild West have become widely recognised, and new murals frequently spark debate about ownership, public space and preservation. Banksy’s identity remains unconfirmed; authentication of his works is handled by his organisation, Pest Control.
He has also created ambitious projects off the street. The 2010 film Exit Through the Gift Shop received an Academy Award nomination. In 2015 he unveiled Dismaland, a temporary “bemusement park” in Weston-super-Mare, and in 2017 opened the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, filled with his art and commentary on the region.
Banksy’s relationship with the art market is famously ambivalent. In 2018, a framed version of Girl with Balloon partially shredded itself moments after selling at auction, later retitled Love is in the Bin. Alongside these headline-grabbing moments, he has directed proceeds from certain works to charitable causes, keeping public attention on the issues that drive his art.