Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world. Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Banksy says that he was inspired by 3D, a graffiti artist and founding member of the musical group Massive Attack.
Banksy was heavily influenced in his early days by a French graffiti artist called Blek le Rat. Not only did this artist inspire Banksy politically, but Banksy was also inspired by his use of stencils. Banksy took on this visual style for himself and, to this day, uses stencils to do a lot of his work.
Banksy first got noticed for spray-painting trains and walls in his home city of Bristol during the early 1990s. Street art and graffiti can be considered criminal damage, so in the beginning it's thought the artist stayed anonymous to keep out of trouble. He's known for his secretive, anonymous persona as much as his stencil artworks, but Banksy may be forced to reveal his identity after losing trademark rights to two more of his artworks. The artist has currently lost his trademark for Laugh Now, Ape and The Flower Bomber paintings.
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