Banksy artist: Has his real identity been revealed again? Here's what's behind the hype

Here we go again: the real identity of Banksy has supposedly been definitively solved. At least, until the next big 'reveal'. No sooner does a new piece pop up in London or a shredded artwork shocks the art world, than the speculation about the person behind the spray can kicks off once more. The latest headlines are coming thick and fast: finally, we know who's hiding behind the myth! Or do we? Welcome to the never-ending guessing game about the world's most famous artist nobody knows.

The eternal hype about the man behind the can

Everyone knows the iconic images: the rat with a sign, the girl with a balloon, the flower thrower. Banksy brought street art from the underground into our living rooms. But who is this artist who has captured the world's imagination for decades? Was it always the supposed Bristol school kid Robin Gunningham? A collective? Or someone else entirely? The rumour mill is churning, and every alleged revelation becomes a global media event. And us Aussies? We're right in the thick of it – after all, plenty of Melbourne and Sydney pads have a Banksy-style canvas print on the wall, and kids in the 'burbs are trying their hand at graffiti school: finding your own style ; an introduction to the art of style-writing ; with teacher's manual.

This time, it's a "groundbreaking investigation" that's set to lift the veil – at least, that's what the people who always make these claims are saying. Apparently, a team of data analysts and journos have gathered enough clues to name the name for good. You know the drill. Back in 2016, the rumour mill was going just as hard: a supposed scientific 'proof' claimed Banksy was actually Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack. There was a huge fuss back then, too, until it all died down. And now, the next chapter. So, we'll likely be confronted with another new name soon enough – and just as quickly, the debate will fade away again, until the next artwork appears. It's becoming a bit of a running gag in the art world.

What would Banksy be without the mystery?

Let's imagine for a quick sec that the identity was actually confirmed: would the magic disappear? Part of the appeal is surely the anonymity. It makes Banksy a blank canvas for our longing for a kind of Robin Hood of art, who wittily and sharply puts his finger on society's sore spots. Banksy is more than a person – he's an idea. And that idea thrives on uncertainty. At the same time, the hype around the person is a turbo boost for the market: as soon as there's new "identity" news, the prices for artworks – and, of course, for fan merch – skyrocket. Suddenly, the I Am Banksy Artist T-Shirt Funny Rude Men's Women's T-Shirt T0069 or the Men's Banksy Pullover Hoodie Banksy Inspired Painting Artist Rat Hoodie Men's Funny are hot property again. You see young people wearing them proudly through the mall here too – a statement for street art and against the mainstream. And plenty of people have that graffiti artist Banksy inspired t-shirt in their wardrobe, ready for the next street art stroll.

From illegal walls to your own style

No matter how many "revelations" we're yet to see, Banksy has inspired a whole generation of artists. If you want to pick up a spray can yourself these days, there are tons of options. Alongside classic graffiti workshops, books like "Graffiti school: finding your own style ; an introduction to the art of style-writing ; with teacher's manual" are booming. It almost sounds like a textbook – and that's the beauty of it: what was once seen as vandalism is now taught as a serious art form. From an illegal wall in Bristol to a graffiti artist Banksy inspired t-shirt in a local Brisbane shop – the evolution has been rapid. And it shows that Banksy has achieved more than just spraying walls. He sparked a movement.

• Banksy's motifs are timeless: Whether on canvas, hoodie or t-shirt – the images are iconic and adorn thousands of homes.
• Graffiti as an art form: More and more young people are getting into "style-writing," inspired by courses and books.
• The appeal of the forbidden: Banksy thrives on the tension between subversion and commercial success.

The bottom line: The hunt goes on – and that's a good thing

Will this latest "revelation" be the last? Probably not. Banksy's identity will keep us guessing for a long time yet, and that's fair enough. Maybe the artist's greatest masterstroke is making all of us puzzle over it again and again. Until next time, when another supposed 'proof' pops up. We'll be keeping an eye on it from Down Under – and in the meantime, we'll be chilling in our Banksy hoodie or hanging a new canvas print on the living room wall. Because in the end, it's not the name that counts, it's the art. And there's bound to be another rumour along soon.