Banksy

Who is Banksy? The identity behind the artist

The ability to remain anonymous through the years despite more than 50 artworks located around the world has always fascinated street art lovers. Banksy's identity has always been a true mystery and probably always will be. Banksy’s face has been hidden, along with his real identity: this persistent covering helped increase his fame by creating a myth.

"If you want to say something and have people listen, then you have to wear a mask"

According to him and other art critics, his anonymity has been protecting him and his works. Being hidden has given him the freedom to tell the truth, despite the legal consequences. Moreover, maintaining invisibility has forced people to focus on the artworks and not on the status of the artist considered a celebrity. 

Nevertheless, his anonymity has raised a question: why is graffiti art illegal except for Banksy? Banksy works introduce the silver lining between vandalism and public art. The question concerning why his street art on a public or private building is collectible is whether another less-known artist will be incarcerated immediately for performing a similar action. 

The Anonymous Street Artist: the Theories about His True Identity

Lots of speculation has been made about who the artist Banksy is, but his true identity has never been officially confirmed. Some of these speculations have drawn a correspondence between Banksy and Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack frontman). 

Over the years, there have been several coincidences that have led to this connection, although Banksy's true identity remains a mystery. For starters, the two artists share the same hometown, Bristol, where they both took their first steps into the Street Art scene.

Robert del Naja, also known by the pseudonym 3D, was initially a writer and part of The Wild Bunch, making graffiti around the city.

Moreover, Robert del Naja can be credited with bringing the stencil technique to Bristol, a method that Banksy would use extensively, adopting it as his technique in his artistic achievements.

More recently emerged the hypothesis confirmed by art historians scholars to be Robin Gunningham. Related profiles of the Street Art genius include Robin Cunningham, first renamed Banksy by the Daily Mail newspaper in 2008.

In 2016, scholars at Queen Mary University of London conducted a thorough search using geolocation techniques called Dirichlet Process Mixture (DPM) models, which are usually employed to search for serial criminals. At the end of this extensive research, it emerged that Robin Gunningham's profile could match Banksy's identity.

He would be a 42-year-old Englishman born in Bristol into a middle-class family, educated in private schools and passionate about art, who later moved to London in 2000.

Scholars at the university learned their information by sifting through more than 140 places where Banksy created his works, creating a mapping of the places most frequented by the writer.

Comparing these spots with publicly available information and details recounted by the artist in various interviews, they found that there were several compatibilities with Robin Gunningham's movements.

Mr. Brainwash and Banksy are the same person?

Another famous personality identified as Banksy is Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash. Starting as a documentarist, Mr. Brainwash artist was born after a collaboration with Banksy for the rewarded film Exhit through the Gift Shop. 

In the early 2000s, Thierry began following prominent street artists, such as his cousin Invader and his friend Shepard Fairey, also known as Obey. The nascent artist enjoyed filming their nocturnal outings with a video camera while assimilating their techniques.

Staying momentarily in Los Angeles, Banksy was looking for walls for his works, asking his friend Shepard Fairey for help. Thus, Obey suggested Thierry Guetta, a Frenchman who has been filming everything for as long as he can remember. Mr. Brainwash became his guide, following him around and learning Banksy’s techniques by osmosis, even buying him a cell phone with a $100 top-up and telling him to call whenever he wants. Shortly after, Thierry became Banksy's shadow, who agreed to be filmed by him like the others, albeit with his back or only with his hands.

Therefore, the question of the relationship between Banksy and Mr. Brainwash quickly arose: was Mr. Brainwash launched by Banksy, or was it the other way around?

The answer is probably that both versions are true. Despite the question, of whether Mr. Brainwash is or isn’t Banksy, what is legitimate to affirm is that Mr. Brainwash participated in the creation of Banksy, engaging in building his enigmatic persona and unknown artist by filming the phenomenon of street art as a whole. 

The Most Elusive Artist that We All Recognize

Whoever is Banksy, his identity as an artist began in 1993, with freehand graffiti. Bansky started using the signature stencil in 2000, creating a distinctive iconography made of easily recognizable images, spreading antiauthoritarian messages. The style of his image representations has ultimately been the key to preserving his anonymity throughout the decades. 

His first artworks appeared in Bristol, distinguished by a biting irony and an authentic perspective on ethics, society, politics, and culture. In the late ‘90s, on a residential building next to Hamilton House, appeared Mild Mild West, the very first Banksy artwork reported, which depicted a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three policemen.

Throughout almost 30 years of activity, Banksy became a milestone in the Street Art scene and a famous artist who will probably have a vast echo in art history. It can also be said that Banksy is the initiator of Street art and the main personality who shared graffiti aesthetics since the 1990s. 

Despite all the theories about his identity and his persona in general, he remains in the realm of the unknown, undisclosed. Ironically, Banksy isn’t nameless though: he gradually became the most controversial street artist in the world. The artist disseminated a disruptive and unruly vision about society and the global political system, impacting cities around the world. His anonymity led him to be truly free, in the sense he owns the real unapologetic power to tell the truth, without regard to consequences. Banksy is and remains one of the most fascinating and unpredictable artists of our time.

Banksy's Early Life

The Upbringing of the Most (Un)Known Street Artist

Against his parent's wishes, who warned him to spurn a group of kids gathering around Bristol at night, Banksy joined the street scene at a very young age. 

He began painting in Barton Hill, on the outskirts of Bristol, and it was here that he was introduced to the world of street art. He steadily became part of a graffiti crew in Bristol named DryBreadZ Crew. 

After being almost caught by the police vandalizing public spaces, Banksy decided to use stencil as a new graffiti style firstly introduced by Blak le Rat in the 1970s in Paris. Stencils are traditionally hand-drawn or printed onto sheets of acetate or card stock, and then cut out by hand. 

Admiring his artworks for a long time, Banksy will always cherish and compare his works with Blek le Rat, to such an extent to claim:

"Every time I think I've painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek le Rat did it too, only 20 years earlier."

Blek le Rat's influence returns recurrently to Banksy's artworks, inasmuch to impact even Banksy’s art in terms of subjects: in fact, one of his most famous subjects is The Rat.

Nonetheless, it was only around 1994 that Banksy turned officially to stencil art, changing permanently the street art scene in the UK. During this period, Banksy met Bristol photographer Steve Lazarides, who began photographing Banksy and his work, and then went on to become his agent until 2009. Photographer and strategist, Steve Lazarides has worked with Banksy for 11 years, carrying around stacks of Banksy’s original stencils that were immediately sold for 25£. 

To not be arrested, Banksy used different ploys: use reflective jackets and traffic cones, because no one will dare to stop you when you are wearing them. Sometimes Lazarides would give Banksy fake letters signed by fake film producers, authorizing the street artist to paint the wall. Regardless, the person behind each creative approach was Lazarides.

Street Art Revolution

In the early 2000s, Banksy's art made a migration from the streets of Bristol to the bustling urban landscape of London. This geographical shift marked a pivotal moment in Banksy's career, catapulting him into the international spotlight. Simultaneously, his notoriety reached new heights, prompting a journey that would take him to unexpected places, transcending the traditional boundaries of street art.

During a momentary relocation to Palestine, Banksy left an indelible mark on the West Bank Wall, also known as the Segregation Wall in Bethlehem. His stenciled images became powerful symbols, vividly portraying the harsh realities faced by those living in the shadow of a wall that, in Banksy's words, "essentially turns Palestine into the world’s largest open prison." He posed a poignant question: How illegal is it to vandalize a wall if the wall itself has been deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice?

This venture into global territories further solidified Banksy's reputation as a socially conscious artist, utilizing his unique form of protest art to shed light on complex geopolitical issues. The West Bank Wall became a canvas for not just graffiti but a visual narrative challenging the notions of legality and justice.

After parting ways with his professional relationship with Lazarides, Banksy took control of his artistic identity by establishing Pest Control. This organization serves as the exclusive representative and contact liaison for Banksy's work, overseeing the verification of authorship and issuing documents of provenance to buyers. This move allowed Banksy to maintain control over the authenticity and integrity of his pieces, navigating the art world on his terms.

The evolution of Banksy's artistic influence and social commentary is a testament to the power of street art as a medium for change. From the streets of Bristol to the walls of Bethlehem, Banksy's journey reflects a commitment to challenging societal norms, questioning authority, and using art as a force for both reflection and revolution. As Pest Control safeguards his legacy, Banksy's impact on the global art scene continues to resonate, inspiring artists and admirers alike to rethink the boundaries of artistic expression.

Banksy and Street Art

Banksy's art has unfolded across a unique trajectory, blending both sanctioned exhibitions and clandestine public interventions. The artist has masterfully navigated the realms of established art institutions while simultaneously leaving his mark on the streets, underscoring the duality of his creative expression.

From the outset of his career, Banksy's art has thrived on this dual foundation. His public interventions within prestigious art institutions have become synonymous with his name.

Banksy's original art has graced the walls of renowned museums, including the Metropolitan and MoMA in New York, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Louvre in Paris. In a provocative act of defiance, he surreptitiously hung his works in these esteemed spaces, only to have them swiftly removed. This subversive approach serves as a poignant commentary on the commodification of art and the pitfalls of the collecting world.

One notable instance in the early 2000s saw Banksy infiltrating iconic museums, imprinting his signature style on the hallowed walls. This audacious act became a powerful manifestation of his protest against the commercialization of art, making a bold statement that echoed far beyond the confines of traditional artistic spaces.

Banksy's art journey extends beyond these rebellious escapades. From the unauthorized printing of fake British £10 bills adorned with Princess Diana's image to his curated exhibitions like Barely Legal (2006) and The Can Festival (2008), Banksy has consistently wielded his creativity to engage with pressing social and political issues. His unique perspective on topics such as climate change, poverty, and immigration has solidified Banksy's position as a trailblazer, using his art as a force for social commentary.

Banksy's original art serves as a powerful vehicle for exposing global injustices and societal inconsistencies. The artist's ability to seamlessly transition between institutional exhibitions and unsanctioned public works underscores the versatility of his creative voice. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, Banksy's art remains a potent reminder of the transformative power that art wields in shedding light on the intricacies of the human experience.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

In 2010, Banksy's artistic repertoire expanded into the realm of filmmaking, as he enlisted aspiring street artist Thierry Guetta as an assistant and documentarian during numerous visits to Los Angeles. This collaboration laid the foundation for the creation of "Exit Through the Gift Shop", a film that not only earned an Oscar nomination in 2011 but also marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of street art.

Exit Through the Gift Shop served as an instant cross-section of street art, a groundbreaking endeavor at a time when this rebellious and pure form of artistic expression was still relatively unknown. The documentary not only unveiled the mysterious Banksy but also introduced the world to the eccentric Thierry Guetta, later known as Mr. Brainwash, who played a central role in the narrative.

Accompanying Banksy and Mr. Brainwash during the testimonials were other influential street artists, including Invader, Obey, and André. Their collective presence outlined an almost natural and inevitable process that propelled street art into the realm of contemporary art. The documentary conveyed a powerful message, showcasing street art as a rebellious force, untethered from commercial intent and rooted in the pure expression of creativity.

"Exit Through the Gift Shop" captured the essence of a burgeoning art movement, providing an intimate look into the lives and motivations of street artists who were challenging the boundaries of conventional artistic practices. The film not only documented the physical act of creating street art but also delved into the psychological and emotional facets of the artists involved.

The nomination for an Oscar in 2011 signaled the mainstream recognition of street art as a legitimate and influential medium. Banksy's foray into filmmaking, accompanied by the eclectic cast of street art luminaries, laid the groundwork for the genre's expansion into contemporary art. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" remains a testament to the rebellious and untamed spirit of street art, challenging conventional norms and carving out a unique space in the broader landscape of artistic expression.

Banksy's artistic style

Banksy’s artistic style has managed to become recognizable worldwide. Creating permanent and impermanent artworks, Banksy built a renowned body of works with which he has engaged his spectators throughout the years. His familiar style utilizes subversion, dark humor, irony, and satire, generating inspiring echos on social and political matters. 

His style is composed of hidden messages that everyone can understand: the impact is immediate, cutting through instantly, making the spectator think about a certain topic or matter in contemporary society.

Banksy's street art is composed of multi-layered stencils combined with other media. This technique involves applying spray paint to a template generally made of cardboard, cut out according to the shape and design you want to achieve on the surface. 

As we said before, Banksy acquired this technique because it allowed him to make the designs in silkscreen in a very short time, while being able to maintain anonymity.

Moreover, for his artworks, Banksy includes already existing objects, such as street signs and fire hydrants, originating a satirical art voice, with messages about politics and art. 

Banksy's impact on art

Banksy's impact on the art and cultural landscape transcends the conventional boundaries of artistic expression, opening a compelling window into our contemporary world. His approach, steeped in satire and executed with a keen understanding of advertising marketing, employs a highly creative artistic language that resonates with a global audience. Banksy's art becomes a form of communication, not merely to showcase his creative prowess, but to dismantle and subvert the established order dominated by powerful forces that hold the world captive.

Operating as an art bandit in a struggle against power, Banksy emerges as an enigmatic figure challenging the status quo. His works serve as visual critiques, offering poignant commentary on societal issues, politics, and the pervasive influence of those in authority. The use of satirical elements in Banksy's art acts as a mirror reflecting the absurdities and contradictions inherent in our contemporary existence.

The artist's impact is particularly pronounced in his ability to communicate with a broad and diverse audience. By employing a language familiar to the masses – the language of advertising marketing – Banksy ensures that his messages are accessible and impactful. Through his visually striking and thought-provoking pieces, Banksy engages viewers in a dialogue about the pressing concerns of our time, transcending the traditional confines of the art world.

However, Banksy's impact is not without its paradoxes. The artist, while positioned as a formidable critic of the system, finds himself entangled within the very web he seeks to dismantle. This internal contradiction adds a layer of complexity to Banksy's narrative, as he navigates the fine line between being an outsider challenging the system and an insider inadvertently contributing to it.

Banksy's journey is not just a chronicle of artistic rebellion, it is a dynamic exploration of the artist's evolving relationship with the socio-political landscape. As his art continues to captivate and provoke, Banksy's impact endures as a testament to the transformative potential of art in shaping cultural discourse and challenging the structures that define our world.

Global Recognition: The iconic street art subject

All over the world, it is possible to find Banksy's famous artworks characterized by striking images, often accompanied by slogans to promote the immediacy of the message he wants to convey with his street art.

For some, his works are touching, inspiring, and funny, while for others it is simple vandalism; what is certain is that Banksy has a distinct talent for conveying his views in a way that no one has been able to do so far.

By using city buildings, bridges, and anything that inspires him to create his Murals Banksy has managed to bring art closer to the general public and become known internationally even though no face can be associated with his name. Banksy's favorite subjects in his works include elderly people, children, policemen, or even animals such as monkeys and mice, with the last being used very frequently.

In all of Banksy's works, the problems that plague today's society are depicted in an ironic and satirical way, ranging from political ones to cultural and ethical ones. Let us see below some of Banksy's most famous street artworks.

Balloon Girl

Banksy's Balloon Girl, part of a series initiated in 2002, stands as a timeless and emotionally charged masterpiece. The first iteration graced the stairs of Waterloo Bridge in London, accompanied by the powerful statement:

"There is always hope."

This iconic image, featuring a little girl reaching out for a red, heart-shaped balloon, has since evolved into various versions, each with its unique title and context.

The silhouette of the little girl, placed at street level, creates an immediate and personal connection with the viewer. Banksy engages the audience directly, presenting the figure as a real presence within the urban landscape, akin to any passerby on the sidewalk. The simplicity of the imagery belies the complexity of the emotions it evokes.

In the social and historical context, Balloon Girl transcends its visual appeal to become a profound commentary on the human condition. The subtle nuances of the girl's posture, her sadness, and her resigned gaze bear witness to the dramatic existential loneliness experienced by countless children in various contexts, particularly those affected by the harsh realities of war.

This poignant series extends its reach beyond London, manifesting in diverse forms such as Balloon Debate, Flying Balloon Girl on the Segregation Wall in Palestine, and #WithSyria in Syria—each iteration honoring the resilience of individuals facing adversity. The adaptability of Balloon Girl to different global contexts emphasizes its universal message of hope amidst despair.

In art history, Banksy's Balloon Girl holds immense value as a symbol that transcends artistic boundaries. The image speaks directly to the viewer's emotions, prompting reflection on the fragility of childhood innocence, the resilience required in the face of adversity, and the enduring power of hope. Balloon Girl has become a cultural touchstone, capturing the zeitgeist with its universal message and influencing the trajectory of contemporary art.

As Balloon Girl continues to resonate globally, Banksy's ability to merge artistic excellence with powerful social commentary solidifies this series as a cornerstone in the evolving narrative of modern art. Each version serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, there is always hope—a timeless message embedded in the heart of Banksy's iconic Balloon Girl.

The Shredded Painting

In a moment that would reverberate through the art world, Banksy, the enigmatic street artist, unleashed a stroke of artistic genius at the end of 2018. The unforgettable pre-strategized prank took place at a Sotheby's auction, revolving around one of Banksy's iconic works, Balloon Girl. Sold for a staggering 1.04 million pounds, the piece took an unexpected turn as the gavel confirmed the sale.

What ensued was an art world spectacle like no other. A sudden alarm pierced the air from within the picture frame, and to the astonishment of onlookers, Balloon Girl began its journey through a concealed shredder ingeniously embedded inside the frame. Banksy's quote, took on a tangible form as the act unfolded.

"The urge to destroy is also a creative urge."

The Shredded Painting prank was a daring act of artistic rebellion, challenging the traditional norms of the art market and embracing a form of creative destruction. The intentional shredding of a million-pound artwork at the very moment of its sale underscored Banksy's commitment to disrupting the established order and questioning the value society places on art.

The Balloon Girl, once a symbol of innocence and fleeting beauty, transformed into a symbol of subversion and anti-establishment sentiment. The shredded remnants of the painting became an instant symbol of Banksy's irreverent approach, leaving an indelible mark on the art world's collective consciousness.

This audacious event is not just a prank; it's a profound commentary on the commodification of art, the arbitrary nature of value, and the artist's role in challenging societal norms. Banksy's Shredded Painting, a calculated act of rebellion, has become an integral part of art history, a defining moment that continues to spark conversations about the intersection of creativity and destruction.

As the shredded pieces fluttered down at Sotheby's, Banksy's message was clear: Art should be a force for change, capable of breaking free from the constraints of financial valuation. The Shredded Painting remains a testament to Banksy's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving narrative of contemporary art.

Flower Thrower - Love is in the Air

The most well-known version of Love is in The Air, also known as Flower Thrower or LIITA, was executed in 2003.
This masterpiece remains perhaps his most iconic image in street art and his version on canvas was sold in 2021 by Sotheby’s at almost 13 million US dollars. 

Banksy's "The Flower Thrower" stands as a striking testament to the artist's ability to weave social commentary seamlessly into the fabric of his art. This iconic piece depicts a rioter poised to throw a bouquet rather than a Molotov cocktail.

Against the backdrop of social and historical unrest, The Flower Thrower emerged as a powerful response to the pervasive narratives of conflict. Executed with meticulous detail, the piece challenges conventional notions of protest, offering a poignant commentary on the potential for positive transformation even in the face of discord.

Banksy's choice of the flower as a symbol of peace and beauty adds layers of meaning to the artwork. The juxtaposition of a figure associated with rebellion engaging in an act of floral benevolence serves as a visual metaphor for the transformative power of love and unity. The artwork's universal appeal lies in its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, resonating with audiences globally.

In the context of art history, "The Flower Thrower" holds immense value as a defining piece within the street art movement. Banksy's innovative use of stencils, combined with a potent socio-political message, has elevated the status of street art as a legitimate form of artistic expression. The piece challenges traditional norms, bridging the gap between the streets and galleries, and underscoring the democratic nature of art.

This iconic work also reflects Banksy's knack for addressing contemporary issues. As the world grapples with social and political tensions, The Flower Thrower remains a timeless commentary on the possibility of positive change through unconventional means. Its enduring significance lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its ability to provoke critical discourse on the role of art in shaping societal narratives.

The Rat

These nocturnal creatures (to most people associated with disease and infestation) can be understood as a sort of pseudonym or self-portrait of the artist who completes his illegal works under the cover of darkness.

 "If you feel dirty, insignificant, or unloved, then rats are a good role model. They exist without permission, and they have no respect for the hierarchy of society.”

The word "rat" also serves as an anagram of "art,". Rats represent figures who burst onto the scene unexpectedly and perform actions outside the law, in a mean-spirited manner and with no possibility of stopping them. This animal could be an alter ego of his if seen as a subversive figure acting stealthily

Napalm Girl

Banksy's "Napalm" emerges as a poignant commentary on the intersection of consumerism and the haunting legacy of the Vietnam War. Crafted in 2004, this iconic artwork ingeniously weaves together symbols of American consumerism with a profound nod to the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Nick Ut, The Terror of War, captured during the Vietnam War in 1972.

Quoting two symbols of American consumerism holding the hands of the paradigmatic subject of The Terror of War, Banksy boldly rises against the excesses of capitalism. The juxtaposition of these symbols against the backdrop of the harrowing image of nine-year-old Kim Phúc escaping a napalm explosion creates a stark visual narrative that challenges viewers to confront the darker side of consumer-driven societies.

In a social and historical context, Banksy's "Napalm" stands as a powerful indictment of the military-industrialist aspect of capitalism. By reimagining the iconic Vietnam War photograph, the artist not only pays homage to the resilience of the human spirit but also issues a stark warning about the impact of consumerism on the younger generation. The deliberate comparison between the escape from a napalm explosion and the insidious effects of excessive consumption serves as a call to action against the destructive consequences of unchecked capitalism.

This artwork positions Banksy as a pioneer in the contemporary art scene, openly criticizing the militaristic facets of capitalism. By skillfully incorporating the Pulitzer Prize-winning image into his commentary, Banksy underscores the enduring relevance of historical narratives in shaping our understanding of present-day challenges.

In the broader scope of art history, "Napalm" holds immense value as a work that bridges the gap between social commentary and artistic expression. Banksy's ability to merge powerful symbols with a critical message elevates street art into a legitimate and influential form of artistic discourse. The piece challenges established norms, urging viewers to reflect on the socio-political implications of their consumer choices.

Kissing Copper

Banksy's Kissing Coppers, born on the exterior wall of the Prince Albert Pub in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, in 2004, stands as a bold testament to the artist's ability to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. This mural features two uniformed policemen engaged in a kiss, presenting a powerful commentary on sexual identity and advocating for gay rights.

The social and historical context surrounding Kissing Coppers reveals Banksy's intent to convey a message of tolerance. By choosing two iconic figures of authority engaged in an intimate act, Banksy subtly champions LGBTQ+ rights, challenging societal perceptions and promoting acceptance. The artwork, initially open to interpretation, sparked conversations about the portrayal of human connection and the complexities within relationships, whether they be partnerships or professional bonds.

Over time, like many of Banksy's street art creations, "Kissing Coppers" fell victim to vandalism. The deterioration of the mural led to the pub owner's decision to sell it to a gallery in New York in 2008. The artwork was transformed, being transferred onto canvas by a restoration company in 2011. The original mural was replaced with a facsimile protected by a Perspex sheet.

The journey of Kissing Coppers reached its pinnacle in 2014 when the iconic piece was auctioned at FAAM in Miami, fetching a remarkable $575,000 and finding a new home with an anonymous buyer. The auction marked a significant moment in the commercial recognition of Banksy's street art.

This provocative image of the kissing policemen has transcended its street origins, becoming an iconic representation of Banksy's artistic prowess. In 2018, the image was utilized in campaigns by the Moco Museum during Gay Pride in Amsterdam, showcasing the enduring relevance and adaptability of Kissing Coppers" to contemporary social conversations.

In the annals of art history, Kissing Coppers remains a pivotal work, not only for its aesthetic impact but for the conversations it sparks surrounding tolerance, human connection, and the role of street art in shaping societal perspectives.

Pulp Fiction

Banksy's Pulp Fiction first graced the streets near the Old Street subway station in London in 2002, becoming an instant cultural phenomenon. This mural presents a whimsical yet thought-provoking twist on the iconic scene from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film. Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, usually armed with guns, now hold bananas, offering a clever commentary on violence, pop culture, and societal norms.

The social and historical context surrounding "Pulp Fiction" is rich with layers of cultural critique. Banksy's reinterpretation challenges the glorification of violence in cinema, replacing lethal weapons with a mundane yet powerful symbol—the banana. This clever twist prompts viewers to question the impact of media on societal perceptions and highlights Banksy's ability to inject humor into his social commentary.

In 2004, recognizing the cultural significance of Pulp Fiction Banksy released a limited series of 150 official signed prints and 600 unsigned prints, solidifying the mural's place as a coveted piece of street art. However, in 2007, "Transport for London" decided to erase the artwork, citing concerns about its contribution to social decadence.

The deletion sparked controversy, with fans and tourists strongly criticizing the decision. Undeterred, Banksy responded to the removal with resilience and creativity. On the same wall, he unveiled a new masterpiece featuring the familiar characters, this time dressed as bananas and wielding guns. This audacious move not only reasserted Banksy's presence but also emphasized the transient nature of street art.

Controversy continued as the mural faced multiple cover-ups, including one by a writer named Ozone. His provocation, "If it is better, next time I’ll leave it," added another layer to the ongoing narrative. Tragically, Ozone lost his life at 19, crushed by a metro train alongside his colleague Wants.

In response to this heartbreaking incident, Banksy paid tribute with "Ozone's Angel," a new work at the same location. This poignant image portrays an angel wearing a bullet-proof jacket, holding a skull in the right hand—a powerful homage to the fallen artist. Banksy's note on his website memorializes Ozone as a great artist, demonstrating the profound impact of street art on individual lives and the collective memory of a community.

In the annals of art history, Banksy's Pulp Fiction remains a landmark work, not just for its clever visual commentary, but for the controversies it stirred and the subsequent creations that emerged in response. The mural's influence is a testament to Banksy's ability to shape cultural discourse and create enduring narratives on the streets.

BANKSY ORIGINAL ART FOR SALE ONLINE ON DEODATO.US

Banksy’s art has sold for extremely high prices at auction, with pieces being purchased by collectors and celebrities alike for millions of dollars, making Banksy one of the first street artists to become part of the commercial art market. 

If you are interested in Banksy’s art for sale and prices, you can find the original artwork online on our website. These artworks are hand-signed by the artist, and provided with a certificate of authenticity.

If you are interested in knowing about the artworks by Banksy for sale, the prices, and the market value of the artist, do not hesitate to contact us by sending an e-mail to us@deodato.us