A new investigation published on March 13 has claimed to uncover the identity of elusive street artist Banksy, linking him to Robin Gunningham, who reportedly later changed his name to David Jones. The findings draw on previously undisclosed US court records and police reports tied to a 2000 arrest in New York for billboard vandalism.
Additional evidence points to immigration records showing a man with Gunningham’s birth date entering Ukraine in 2022, around the time Banksy murals appeared in the country. The report adds to longstanding speculation about the artist’s true identity.
Banksy’s anonymity, once a way to evade authorities, has become central to his global appeal and market value. However, critics argue that the secrecy surrounding him now raises questions about whether he receives preferential treatment.
The artist is known for using the streets as his canvas like no one else can. While his real name still technically remains a mystery, his works are famous worldwide for making powerful statements. With that said, take a look at his works around the world in the following gallery.