Banksy's true identity, which has been closely guarded, may have been revealed in a recently surfaced interview clip from 2003. However, there is a lawsuit that could potentially expose his identity to the public.
An interview that was previously lost has recently been discovered. This interview features the elusive street artist Banksy and is significant because it is the only known instance where he discloses his first name.
In a recording from 2003, a BBC reporter interviews Banksy and inquires about the artist's true identity, suggesting the name "Robert Banks". In response, Banksy clarifies that his real name is actually "Robbie".
There has been ongoing speculation about the real person behind the street artist, who is known for their valuable artwork displayed on various locations such as houses, art galleries, and even the Israeli West Bank barrier. Over the years, individuals like Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack, Neil Buchanan from Art Attack, and Billy Gannon, a councillor from Pembroke Dock, have all been suspected of being the artist. In fact, the speculation became so overwhelming for Gannon that he decided to resign from his position in 2022, citing that it hindered his ability to fulfill his responsibilities.
In 2008, the Daily Mail revealed Banksy's identity as Robin Gunningham, a then-34-year-old who had attended a private school. However, Banksy denied this claim. Currently, there is a lawsuit that could potentially expose his full name. The lawsuit is brought by a company that accuses Banksy of causing significant harm to its reputation through an Instagram post in 2022. In the post, Banksy called on shoplifters to target a specific store for taking his artwork without permission, suggesting that it would be acceptable to do the same to their clothes.
The recently discovered interview will not convince people that Banksy is not Gunningham. It is also significant because it is one of the earliest radio interviews with the street artist, who was in his twenties at the time and getting ready for his Banksy's Turf War exhibition in east London. In the interview, he discusses various topics, including his response to accusations of vandalism: "I'm not here to apologize for it. It's a more efficient way of expressing your opinion, right?" he said, before adding: "Go out! Destroy things! Have fun! Other people can change it. They can get rid of it."
You can listen to the complete interview on BBC Sounds in the most recent installment of Radio 4's The Banksy Story.
On November 21, 2023, some corrections were made to this article. In 2008, the Daily Mail claimed that Banksy's real identity was Robin Gunningham, not "Cunningham".
Most popular
Most popular
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings