Who is Banksy? The secretive artist whose identity may soon be exposed

This Banksy appeared in Kent last year (Picture: WILLIAM EDWARDS/AFP) Bansky’s identity has been a well-kept secret since he rose to prominence in the 1990s. The graffiti artist is famous for spraying murals with anti-authoritarian and anti-war messages on the side of buildings around the world. But his steadfast anonymity has led to speculation that he could be anyone, including celebrities like Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja or Gorillaz founder Jamie Hewlett. Even Art Attack host Neil Buchanan and former ‘public schoolboy’ Robin Gunningham have been accused of being the real Banksy. Earlier this week, an old picture of Banksy at work before he rose to fame resurfaced, once again sparking interest in his true identity – and potentially providing vital clues. Interest in who hides behind the name has been reignited by a confirmed Banksy painting, which appeared on the side of a London apartment building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park earlier this year. Banksy’s works have popped up around the world After waking to find green paint daubed on a wall behind a leafless tree, local resident James Roebuck lamented on X: ‘Banksy came overnight and now my rent will skyrocket.’ Who is Banksy? Banksy emerged as...