Who is Banksy and where to see his works in Ukraine: a new investigation and the phenomenon of the artist

Banksy is one of the most enigmatic artists of our time, whose name remains unknown despite the global popularity of his work. Find out what new facts about the artist have emerged thanks to a Reuters investigation, as well as where to see his graffiti in Ukraine

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The name Banksy has long become a global brand – even though the artist’s identity has never been officially revealed. His works sell for tens of millions of dollars, appear in the hottest spots in the world and instantly become symbols of the era.

However, no less interesting than the graffiti itself is the question: who is behind this pseudonym? We will tell you more about the artist’s history and his connection with Ukraine later in this article.

The beginning of Banksy’s story

The story of Banksy begins in Bristol, where in the 1990s he was part of the underground scene. It was there that the artist formed his style and later moved from classic graffiti to the stencil technique – fast, clear and ideal for working “beyond the law”.

His art has always had a clear message: anti-war, anti-capitalist, socially critical.

World fame came to him with works such as Girl with a Balloon and Flower Thrower – simple in form but profound in meaning.

Over time, Banksy has gone from a “street vandal” to one of the most expensive contemporary artists, whose works sell at auctions for tens of millions of dollars.

What is Banksy famous for?

It is impossible to calculate the exact number of Banksy’s works – some of them disappear within a day of their appearance. They are painted over, dismantled or sold along with the walls.

Despite this, the artist has documented his work from the very beginning and even abandoned traditional copyrights, putting his works in the public domain. At the same time, he created a Pest Control structure that confirms authenticity and controls sales.

The artist’s most famous work – Girl with a Balloon – has become one of the main symbols of modern art. In 2018, at the Sotheby’s auction, it partially self-destructed immediately after being sold. After that, the work received a new name and even greater value.

This case solidified the so-called “Banksy effect” – when even the destruction of art increases its value.

In addition, the artist works outside the boundaries of street art:

- Created the cover of the album Think Tank by the band Blur.

- Opened the satirical art park Dismaland.

- Made the film Exit Through the Gift Shop, nominated for an Oscar.

His work responds to global events – from wars to protests and pandemics, including COVID-19.

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Has Banksy’s identity been revealed?

The latest high-profile investigation by Reuters has once again drawn attention to the artist’s personality.

Journalists claim that Robin Gunningham, an artist from Bristol, may be behind the pseudonym, who has been suspected of this since 2008.

Among the arguments:

- Police documents about the arrest in New York in 2000.

- Coincidence of biographical data.

- Eyewitness testimony.

- Use of the alternative name “David Jones”.

However, the artist’s representatives do not confirm this data and emphasize: Banksy has the right to remain anonymous. Moreover, a significant part of his fans do not want to know the truth, because mystery has become a part of his art.

Ukraine at the center of the investigation

Ukraine played an unexpectedly important role in the new investigation. In 2022, after the de-occupation of the Kyiv region, Banksy created a series of murals that appeared in Kyiv, Irpin, Borodyanka and Gorenka. One of the most famous works – a man in a bathtub on the wall of a destroyed house in Gorenka – became a key point for journalists.

Witnesses spoke about a group of people who worked on the mural. Among them was Giles Dooley, and Robert Del Naya, who had also been linked to Banksy, was also in Ukraine at this time. The coincidence of their dates of stay with the appearance of the works, as well as information about a person named “David Jones” who was crossing the border at the same time, became part of the journalists’ evidence.

Will Banksy's exposure affect the art market?

Despite the new investigations, experts do not expect serious changes in the art market. Prices for Banksy's works have already peaked in 2021, after which a general decline in interest in contemporary art began. And most importantly, collectors buy his works not because of the author's personality, but because of the content and impact.

Where to see Banksy's works in Ukraine?

Today, Banksy's works in Ukraine are not just art, but part of the history of war. They can be seen in Kyiv and the cities of Kyiv region.

Borodyanka: The Gymnast 

A fragile girl performs a handstand right on the rubble of a destroyed building - a contrast of strength and vulnerability against the backdrop of war.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Borodyanka: The Judo Throw

A small boy easily knocks down an adult man in a kimono, who resembles Vladimir Putin – a symbolic scene about the strength of the weaker.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Kyiv (Maidan Nezalezhnosti): Children on a Tank Trap

Two children swing on an anti-tank “hedgehog”, turning an element of war into an improvised swing.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Irpin: Gymnast with a Ribbon

The figure of a gymnast “protrudes” directly above a shell hole in the wall, combining destruction and movement.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Gorenko: Man in a Bathtub

A man calmly washes himself in a bathtub painted on the facade of a completely destroyed building – a scene of everyday life among the ruins.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Kyiv (Velyaka Zhytomyrska St.): Missile on a Truck

A depiction of Russian military equipment with an ironically transformed warhead – a sharp satire on war and aggression.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

Gostomel: Woman with a gas mask

A woman in a bathrobe with a fire extinguisher and a gas mask stands by a charred window – an image of civilian life changed by war.

Photo – https://banksyexplained.com/banksy-in-ukraine-november-2022/

These works have not only artistic, but also documentary value – they have become visual evidence of events that the whole world has seen.

Banksy is not just a name or even a person. This is a phenomenon that combines art, politics and media. And while journalists are trying to establish his identity, the artist himself continues to speak through the walls – often where it matters most. Ukraine has become one of such places. And, perhaps, it is here that Banksy’s story has acquired a new dimension – not only as art, but as a document of the time.

Let us remind you! The Oscars 2026 ceremony has become one of the most discussed in recent years. The evening was remembered not only for the long-awaited triumph of Paul Thomas Anderson, but also for the high-profile scandal surrounding the nomination for “Best Documentary”. We’ve already covered which films and actors are the top winners of the 2026 Oscars and why the results of the ceremony have caused so much controversy.

Photo – banksyexplained.com (Author – Banksy).

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