Banksy is one of the most famous artists in the world, with his art fetching millions at auction – and that’s not mentioning that he’s a best-selling author and an Oscar-nominated director. Yet, through all this, his real identity has remained a mystery. But did he tell us his name in a forgotten BBC interview from 2013?
Titled ‘The Banksy Story’, the interview was recently unearthed and then aired on BBC Radio 4. In it, a younger Banksy speaks to presenter and reporter Nigel Wrench about his art. At one point, the presenter asks Banksy whether his name is Robert Banks, to which Banky replies, ‘It’s Robbie”.
This may not seem like much, but it’s the first somewhat definitive proof we have of the artist’s identity, which has been the subject of debate for decades. If the artist was telling the truth, then this would quash rumours that Banksy is the Massive Attack-founder Robert del Naja or Bristolian artist Robin Gunningham, whom the Daily Mail recently and, allegedly incorrectly, reported as being the person being sued in a lawsuit against Banksy.
What’s safe to say at this point is that the discussion surrounding this political street artist’s identity has never been this heated. But, are we getting any closer to knowing who’s behind the graffiti or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
