Who is Banksy? The latest theories as new work appears around London
ELIZABETH GREGORY
Banksy is back in the spotlight after a series of animal-themed works appeared around London this week. Four images have been posted this week, though the final one lasted just hours before it was stolen.
Yesterday, the image of a howling wolf on a satelitte dish on a building in Rye Lane was stolen not long after it went on display
There remains huge interest in the unknown artist even after more than 30 years. But after so long spent successfully eluding identification, last year a story emerged that may have led to his unmasking: in a newly unearthed 2003 interview, the artist confirms his first name.
In the previously lost recording, which aired as part of Radio 4's The Banksy Story, journalist Nigel Wrench asked the artist if his real name is Robert Banks. "It's Robbie," replies Banksy.
Given that this ties in with a number of theories about the mysterious street artist's identity, including that he is a founding member of Massive Attack, fans feel like this might finally be the proof they need to unveil their hero. Although people have met Banksy – Louis Theroux famously bumped into the artist at a Queens Park Rangers football match in 2001, and two years later he was described by Guardian writer Simon Hattenstone as "white, 28, scruffy casual—jeans, T-shirt, a silver tooth, silver chain and silver earring" – Banksy's true identity has always remained a mystery.
So, on this potentially momentous day, as the field of potentials rapidly narrows, we reflect back on the wildest theories about the true identity of the famous graffiti artist.
1. A member of Massive Attack
One of the frontrunners has to be Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja; who is often rumoured to be the elusive artist.
Based on the fact that many of Banksy's earliest pieces popped up in Bristol in the Nineties, it's extremely likely that Banksy is from Bristol or the surrounding area: he was also a member of the city's DryBreadZ grafitti crew, along with artists Kato and Tes.
Del Naja is also from Bristol, and was actually a pioneering graffiti artist before becoming a musician. He's widely regarded as one of the first people to use stencils in graffiti artwork.
Also adding to the stack of evidence: Banksy works have regularly popped up in cities where Massive Attack have recently been on tour. This has happened numerous times over the years, including in Melbourne, New York, Boston, LA, Toronto and New Orleans.
Potentially as a way to deflect scrutiny, Del Naja has spoken about Banksy, calling him a "mate". The two run in the same Bristolian circles, and Del Naja even popped up in Banksy's documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010).
Finally, DJ Goldie seemed to confirmed that Banksy was called Robert back in 2018, while speaking on Scroobius Pip's Distraction Pieces podcast. "Give me a bubble letter and put it on a T-shirt and write Banksy on it and we're sorted. We can sell it now,” said Goldie. “No disrespect to Robert,” he added. “I think he is a brilliant artist. I think he has flipped the world of art over."
2. A former public school boy
Back in 2008 The Daily Mail published a theory that "unmasked" former public school boy, Robin Gunningham, is the famous street artist.
According to The Mail, the "Scarlet Pimpernel of modern art" had been tracked down using a photograph of Banksy that was snapped while he was in Jamaica: it showed "a man in a blue shirt and jeans, with a hint of a smile on his face and a spray can at his feet".
This photo was taken to Bristol where it was shown to a man that claimed he once knew the artist. He claimed that it was the right person, but Banksy denied the photo was of him.
"It didn't require much imagination to work out how such a name could result in the nickname Banksy," said the article.
The Sun also reported on the case: "The picture had a striking resemblance to a weedy, bespectacled lad who featured in the Bristol Cathedral School year book in 1989." According to the paper, Gunningham had become involved in Bristol's underground art scene.
Over a decade later an October 2023 Mail article explained that the company that sells Banksy's artwork, Pest Control Ltd. and Bansky were being sued for defamation by a 56-year-old artist, called Andrew Gallagher.
"I can disclose that Banksy – the pseudonym of Bristol-born, 53-year-old, public school-educated Robin Gunningham – is named as the first defendant in a legal action accusing him of defamation," said writer Richard Eden.
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/banksy-new-work-art-stolen-robert-monkeys-b1121748.html
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