Banksy artist: Has his true identity been revealed again? What's the story?
Well, here we go again: it looks like the real identity of Banksy might finally be sorted. At least until the next big reveal. No sooner does a new piece pop up in London, or a shredder stunt shocks the art world, than the speculation about the person behind the paint can kicks off again. The headlines are coming thick and fast: we finally know who's behind the myth! Or do we? Welcome to the never-ending guessing game about the most famous artist nobody knows.
The never-ending hype about the man behind the can
Everyone knows them, those 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's been sparking the world's imagination for decades? Was it always that rumoured Bristol kid Robin Gunningham? A collective? Or someone else entirely? The rumour mill is working overtime, and every supposed revelation becomes a global media event. And us Kiwis? We're right in the middle of it – after all, plenty of living rooms from Karori to Kerikeri have their fair share of Banksy-style canvas prints, and the kids in your local neighbourhood are probably having a go at mastering their own style, inspired by the whole scene.
This time, it's a "groundbreaking investigation" that's set to lift the veil – at least, that's what the usual suspects are claiming. Apparently, a team of data analysts and journos have gathered enough clues to name the name without a doubt. You know the drill. Back in 2016, the rumour mill was churning then, too: a supposed scientific "proof" claimed Banksy was Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack. There was a huge fuss back then, until it all died down. And now, the next chapter. So, we'll probably 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 joke in the art world.
Where would Banksy be without the mystery?
Let's imagine for a second 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, someone who uses wit and sharpness to put a finger on society's sores. Banksy is more than a person – he's an idea. And that idea feeds on the 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 works – and naturally for fan merch – go through the roof. Suddenly, that 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'll see young people wearing them with pride around town here in NZ too – a statement for street art and against the mainstream. And of course, plenty of people have that Graffiti Artist Banksy Inspired T-Shirt tucked away in their wardrobe, ready for the next street art walk.
From illegal walls to finding your own style
No matter how many "revelations" we still have ahead of us, Banksy has inspired a whole generation of artists. Anyone wanting to pick up a spray can these days will find countless ways to do it. Alongside classic graffiti workshops, books like "Graffiti school: der Weg zum eigenen Style ; eine Einführung in die Kunst des Style-Writings ; mit Lehrerhandbuch" are booming. It almost sounds like a textbook – and that's exactly 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 that Graffiti Artist Banksy Inspired T-Shirt in a local shop – the evolution has been rapid. And it shows that Banksy has done more than just spray walls. He's sparked a movement.
- Banksy motifs as timeless classics: Whether on canvas, hoodie or t-shirt – the images are timeless 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 the latest "revelation" be the last? Probably not. Banksy's identity will keep us guessing for a long time yet, and that's totally fine. Maybe the artist's greatest masterstroke is keeping us all guessing, time and time again. See you next time another so-called proof pops up. Here in New Zealand, we'll keep watching this space – and in the meantime, we'll just chill in our Banksy hoodie or hang a new canvas print on the wall. Because at the end of the day, it's not the name that counts, but the art. And the next rumour is sure to be just around the corner.