New report unmasks Banksy, leaving art experts worried

One of the art world’s elusive street artists, Banksy, has been identified by a Reuters investigation as Robin Gunningham, a middle-aged man from Bristol.

While his identity has been an open secret in certain circles since 2008, the new investigations have brought the name to the forefront of global headlines. Despite the revelation, the artist has maintained his trademark silence, neither confirming nor denying the reports.

The unmasking has disappointed several fans and art consultants, many of whom feel that his anonymity made him a neutral figure, which was vital to the impact and financial value of his artwork.

One of his portraits, named “Love is in the Bin,” which was partially self-destructed, was sold for $25.4 million in 2021.