Banksy is an enigmatic figure in the world of contemporary art, whose true identity remains shrouded in mystery. Believed to have been born in Bristol, England, around 1974, Banksy began his artistic career in the early 1990s as a graffiti artist. He was part of the larger Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Banksy's early work was largely freehand, but by the late 1990s, he had begun to use stencils—a technique that would become his signature style—partly because it was faster and allowed him to execute his pieces more quickly and with greater precision. Banksy's art is characterized by its striking, often controversial imagery, combined with slogans that satirize war, capitalism, hypocrisy, and greed. His stenciled works often feature rats, apes, policemen, members of the royal family, and children. These motifs are executed in a distinctive style that is both accessible and visually compelling, often incorporating elements of dark humor and real-world political and social commentary. The artist's breakthrough came in the early 2000s when his work began to gain recognition in London and his international work took off. Banksy's art started appearing on streets, walls, and bridges across the world, often sparking dialogue and reflection. His pieces are not only visually arresting but are also known for their thought-provoking content, which challenges viewers to reconsider their surroundings and the status quo. One of Banksy's most famous early works is the "West Bank murals," painted on the Palestinian side of the West Bank barrier in 2005. These murals depicted scenes of life that contrasted starkly with the reality of the wall, including an image of children playing on a beach that could only be accessed through a hole in the barrier. This work exemplified Banksy's use of art as a tool for social commentary and his ability to highlight political issues through his work. Banksy's notoriety grew with his daring and often unauthorized exhibitions in public spaces and museums. In 2005, he placed his own works on the walls of major museums in New York City and London, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Tate Britain. His "Crude Oils" exhibition in London featured altered replicas of famous paintings, and he released 200 live rats into the gallery, further cementing his reputation as a provocateur. In 2006, Banksy's "Barely Legal" show in Los Angeles featured a live elephant painted with a Victorian wallpaper pattern, drawing attention to global poverty. The following year, he was selected to receive an award for Greatest Living Briton, and his work continued to sell for high prices at auction, despite—or perhaps because of—his anti-establishment ethos. Banksy's art has also been featured in several books, including "Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall," "Existencilism," and "Wall and Piece," which document his projects and offer insights into his philosophy and approach to art. His 2010 documentary, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," was nominated for an Academy Award and further increased his profile. In 2015, Banksy opened "Dismaland," a dystopian theme park that served as a dark parody of Disneyland. This temporary installation in Weston-super-Mare, UK, featured works by Banksy and other artists, and it attracted widespread attention for its satirical take on consumer culture and entertainment. Banksy's work continues to command attention and provoke debate. His pieces are often quickly removed or covered, but they live on through photographs and discussions they inspire. In 2018, one of his most famous pieces, "Girl with Balloon," self-destructed moments after being sold at auction, an act that was seen as a critique of the art market and further solidified his reputation as an art world disruptor. Despite his fame, Banksy has managed to maintain his anonymity, which has become a defining feature of his persona. The mystery surrounding his identity only adds to the allure of his work and has made him a household name. His ability to blend street art with political activism and to use public spaces as his canvas has made him one of the most influential and talked-about artists of his generation.

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