Banksy British Litho 3/200 For Auction at 888 Auctions on August 15, 2019

Banksy (born 1974) is a British street artist and activist who, despite his international fame, has maintained an anonymous identity. Although details of the artist’s life are largely unknown, it is thought that Banksy was born in Bristol, United Kingdom, c. 1974, starting his career as a graffiti artist in the city.

Aimed as a form of cultural criticism, the artist often targets established social and political agendas. His witty illustrations in stencils and spray paint are found in cities such as New Orleans, New York, and Paris. “The art world is the biggest joke,” Banksy exclaimed. On another occasion, he also said: “It’s a rest home of the overprivileged, the pretentious, and the weak.”

Better Out Than In, Banksy’s month-long residency in New York during October 2013, featured a man hawking the artist’s paintings for $60 a piece outside Central Park. In 2015, Banksy opened Dismaland Bemusement Park, a temporary art exhibition that functioned as a theme park. After a 36-day run, its workers and materials were sent to the Calais migrant camp in France to build additional housing.

Despite the artist’s aversion to the art world, he continues to produce works on canvas as well as prints, posters, and T-shirts. The question as to who Banksy is, continued to reach the headlines when in 2017 Robert Del Naja, the singer of the band Massive Attack was falsely rumored to be Banksy.

Consequently, Banksy’s style and use of cultural appropriation have given rise to a number of other street artists. Among such notables were Mr. Brainwash and Alec Monopoly. Currently, he lives and works in the United Kingdom.