Main points
- Reuters has revealed that Robin Gunningham from Bristol is likely hiding under the pseudonym Banksy, although his former manager claims that the name is no longer associated with the artist.
- Banksy is known for his provocative and creative street works that discuss social issues, as well as for having confirmed the authorship of graffiti in Ukraine and for having directed an Oscar-nominated film.
Reuters revealed Banksy's name / Collage of Channel 24
Banksy is one of the most mysterious street artists of our time. It is still not known exactly who is hiding behind this pseudonym. Previously, there were suggestions on the Internet that he could be Robert Del Naya, the founder of the band Massive Attack. Such speculation arose due to the fact that Del Naya often performs in cities where Banksy's works later appear.
At the same time, Reuters refuted these assumptions and reported the artist's real name. The editors of the publication conducted a large-scale investigation called IN SEARCH OF BANKSY, analyzing archival materials, old interviews, public documents and testimonies of people familiar with the artist.
According to the results of the investigation, under the pseudonym Banksy, presumably, the artist from Bristol , Robin Gunningham , is hiding. Recall that back in July 2008, the newspaper The Mail on Sunday, citing an anonymous source, first stated that he could be hiding under the mask of Banksy. Gunningham was born in 1973 and studied at Bristol Cathedral School, where his career began in the 1990s. In rare interviews, which Banksy gave anonymously, the artist admitted that it was at school that he first became interested in graffiti.
Reuters claims that although Banksy was born Robin Gunningham, he later adopted the name David Jones. Whether he still uses it is unknown. The artist's former manager Steve Lazarides told reporters: “There is no Robin Gunningham. The name you have, I killed many years ago,” implying that the name Robin Gunningham has long since been disassociated from Banksy.
What is known about Banksy?
- This is an anonymous street artist whose provocative and creative works on the streets of cities around the world force discussion of socially important topics.
- One of his most famous works is “Girl with a Balloon”, which appeared in London in 2002.
- Banksy's works are also in Ukraine. The artist personally confirmed the authorship of seven graffiti located in Kyiv, Irpen, Gorenka and Borodyanka. Among them are “Man bathing in a bathtub”, “Gymnast doing a handstand”, “Woman in a gas mask with a fire extinguisher”, “Gymnast with a ribbon”.
- Banksy is also known to have directed the Oscar-nominated film Exit Through the Gift Shop, opened a hotel on the West Bank, and created the satirical theme park Dismaland.