A tour of the most notorious graffiti artist in the world: Banksy

The renowned street artist and notorious provocateur, Bansky, has formed his public to know that he consistently captures attention with his mysterious graffiti popping up all over the world. Today, astonishing auction sales and a whole lot of controversies surround his works. Recently, he made headlines once again when one of his street art pieces in Bristol was intentionally destroyed by actor Christopher Walken for a BBC comedy show.

However, while Banksy's graffiti and street art have achieved worldwide recognition, the artist himself remains wrapped in secrecy and obscurity, as he is still anonymous. And as you probably know, the real name and identity of this Bristol-born and raised man, who is not only an artist but also a political activist and film director, continue to be the subject of intense speculation.

So, if you're curious about the enigma of Bansky, continue reading our article and explore the essence of his work to discover some of his indispensable street art pieces from various corners of the world.

Who is Bansky?

We can easily put an equal mark between Banksy and the enigma, as his true identity, whereabouts, and the timing of his next creation remain secret. What we do know is that despite maintaining obscurity, the artist deliberately shows his artwork in public areas, guaranteeing that anyone can experience his spontaneous compositions. Often, these works appear on social media platforms like Banksy's Instagram account before the material pieces are even discovered.

Arising in the early 1990s, Banksy launched on the street art journey within his hometown of Bristol. Beginning with spray paint on trains, he gradually transitioned to public places throughout the city. Throughout his career, Banksy has opted for stencils as his immediate medium, preparing his own designs and utilizing spray paint to move them onto walls. His art is characterized by visually impressive and humorous imagery, accompanied by poignant slogans, while always carrying political, social, and cultural undertones.

In numerous areas, including the UK, street art and graffiti often carry connections with illegal acts of property damage. In order to keep his anonymity, the artist known as Banksy slowly adopted this alias. Over time, the name Banksy began to accompany the graffiti that increasingly emerged throughout Bristol. As his talent garnered more significant attention and acclaim, his artistic presence grew beyond his hometown during the early 2000s, reaching various cities across the UK and even developing to other corners of the globe.

Notable works of art

On February 14th, 2023, a striking mural by Banksy, titled Valentine's Day Mascara, made its appearance in Margate. The artwork catches the portrayal of a 1950s housewife, represented by a missing tooth and a swollen eye, putting a man in a real-life freezer. Notably, the mural has been removed twice following its initial finding. Serving as a poignant reflection on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, the mural is set to find its permanent home in Margate's Dreamland theme park.

Last year through the month of November, Banksy embarked on a series of mural artworks throughout war-torn Ukraine. Sharing the process and final paintings in a video, the artist showcased these works in Horenka, a village located on the outskirts of Kyiv. Reflecting his distinctive style infused with satire and political commentary, Banksy's guerilla artworks stood in solidarity with Ukraine. They suited as the latest additions to his collection of anti-war pieces and marked his first public murals in over a year. What's more, among the murals in Horenka, one grabs a scene where a figure resembling Putin, known for his black belt in judo, is being forcefully banged to the ground by a child during a judo match. In another painting, a woman holds a fire extinguisher as she wears a gas mask and hair rollers. This particular piece juxtaposes day-to-day life with the harsh realities of wartime. Similarly, another mural shows two children playfully interacting with a metal tank trap, using it as a seesaw. The virtue exhibited by the children contrasted against the cold, metallic backdrop evokes both sorrow and a glimmer of hope. Banksy's murals in Ukraine not only showcased his creative prowess but also expressed profound messages amidst the backdrop of conflict, drawing awareness to socio-political issues through his impactful visual narratives.

Finally, undoubtedly one of Banksy's most renowned murals, Girl With Balloon (2002) portrays a young girl watching as her red heart-shaped balloon slips away. Initially gracing the streets of London, this iconic artwork has been reproduced in numerous locations, transcending its original setting. Symbolically, it serves as a poignant tribute to the concept of youth and the inevitable loss of innocence.