So who is Banksy?

Exactly who Banksy is has always been a mystery yet his works are recognised around the world! Thought to be from Bristol, ‘Banksy’ is the pseudonym of a renown graffiti artist, political activist and painter. His works have caused controversy and amazement wherever they have been ‘found.’ Banksy completes his art pieces in complete secret, whether installing art pieces without permission in existing art exhibitions or plastering graffiti on the streets of British cities.

Banksy’s work originates from the Bristol underground movement which included much collaboration between artists and musicians. He started as a freelance graffiti artist in 1992 and was largely influenced by other local artists. It was in 2000 that Banksy decided to turn to stencilling as his medium as it was a much faster art form and would help to ensure he would not be caught in the process!

Each of Banksy’s works contains an element of humour or irony and often includes striking slogans. Some messages Banksy has touched on through his street-works include: anti-war, anti-establishment and anti-capitalism. His works often included rats, monkeys, children, police, soldiers and the elderly.

Whilst many of Banksy’s works are exhibited without permission on the walls of buildings across the globe, Banksy held his first official exhibition in 2002 in LA, USA. Further exhibitions followed in the years after, including the controversial ‘Turf War’ exhibition in which Banksy painted animals (such as an Elephant) and outraged several animal rights activists.

In 2005, Banksy began a series of more complex oil paintings which subverted more traditional fine art ideas. He held an exhibition of these painting in London, 2005. One of his works, a new take on Monet’s ‘Water Lily Pond’, featured urban litter and a shopping trolley floating within the iconic pond waters!

It was from 2006 onwards, that Banksy’s contemporary masterpieces became more-and-more sought after and increasingly expensive at auction. In October 2006, pop musician Christina Aguilera bought an original Banksy work for a staggering £25,000. Whilst in 2007, ‘Ballerina With Action Man Parts’ reached an incredible £96,000!

At Personalised Pop Art we’re often asked to produce pictures in the style of Banksy – and we’re happy to help.