Identity of street artist Banksy revealed

The identity of the elusive street artist Banksy may have been
uncovered after an in-depth investigation by Reuters linked him
to Bristol-born graffiti artist Robin Gunningham

Gunningham in 2004

c. 1974: Born in
Bristol, England

Early 1990s: Begins as freehand
graffiti artist in BristolÕs DryBreadZ
Crew (DBZ)

2001-03: Gains notoriety in
London. Releases Rude Copper,
paints Flower Thrower (top right)
on West Bank Wall

2004: Begins
sneaking own work
into museums,
including Mona
Lisa Smile
(right) Š painting
eventually sells
at auction for more
than $100,000

2006: Exhibits Barely Legal
in LA, gains international status

2008: Mail on Sunday
claims Banksy is Gunningham

2010: Releases Oscar-
nominated film Exit Through
The Gift Shop

2016: Forensic analysis
links artwork locations to
GunninghamÕs movements

2018: 2006 piece Girl with
Balloon (left) unexpectedly
shreds itself at auction

2022-26: Creates artwork in
Ukraine, including bathtub mural
on wall of destroyed home (above)

Mar 2026: Reuters investigation
identifies artist as Gunningham,
based on evidence including signed
confession after his arrest in 2000
for vandalism in New York

Source: Banksy Explained
Pictures: Banksy Unofficial, Getty Images, Newscom, X
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