Banksy
U.K., b. 1974
Banksy is the pseudonymous street artist and political activist known for his thought-provoking and often controversial artworks. Despite his widespread influence and notoriety, the true identity of Banksy remains a closely guarded secret.
It is widely believed that Banksy hails from Bristol, England, and first gained attention in the 1990s for his distinctive stencil graffiti. His works typically combine dark humor with subversive political and social commentary, often addressing issues such as war, consumerism, and government surveillance.
Despite his stealth presence, Banksy has become a mainstream phenomenon. In 2010 Banksy directed Exit Through the Gift Shop, a chronicle of the underground world of street art, which was nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars.
Banksy's art has garnered international acclaim, with his pieces appearing in cities around the world, from London and New York to Gaza and Bethlehem. His works have been featured in galleries and museums, including the British Museum and New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Within the space of some 5 years, Banksy's paintings at auction set numerous records. However, the most expensive Banksy painting ever sold at auction was the seminal Love is in the Bin which sold in 2021 at Sotheby's for £18.6 million GBP.