A Reuters investigation has reignited speculation about the identity of Banksy, the world's most famous anonymous graffiti artist.
Reuters released its findings on Tuesday, claiming that Banksy is likely Robin Gunningham, a graffiti artist born in Bristol, England, in 1973.
The investigation's key evidence centers on a mural discovered in Horenka, a village near Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022. Witnesses reported that two masked men created the artwork in minutes using spray paint and stencils amid buildings destroyed by bombing. A third man accompanying them wore no mask, had lost one arm, and had prosthetic legs on both sides.
The man with prosthetics was identified as Giles Duley, a documentary photographer who lost an arm and legs in Afghanistan in 2011. According to sources familiar with Ukrainian immigration procedures, Duley entered Ukraine with Del Naja, after which Banksy murals began appearing across the country. Reuters investigators found records showing a "David Jones" crossed the border at the same location with the group. The birthdate on Jones's passport matched Gunningham's.
Reuters also reportedly obtained a handwritten confession from a man named Robin Gunningham, written when Banksy was arrested in New York in 2000 for defacing a rooftop billboard. A British media outlet claimed in 2008 that Banksy was Gunningham. Reuters reported that Gunningham appears to have changed his name to David Jones following that report.
Banksy's Team Declines Comment
Banksy responded to the Reuters investigation with silence. Pest Control Office, the official authentication and sales organization established by Banksy, stated that Banksy "decided not to say anything." Banksy's lawyer Mark Stephens said concealing his identity is unavoidable, noting that "Banksy has been the subject of persistent, threatening, and extreme behavior."
Stephens added that "operating anonymously or under a pseudonym serves important social interests" and "protects freedom of expression by allowing creators to speak truth to power without fear of retaliation, censorship, or persecution when addressing sensitive issues such as politics, religion, and social justice."
Banksy has gained worldwide fame for leaving message-laden murals across Britain and around the globe, yet his identity remains shrouded in mystery. His works are recognized as art pieces carrying emotional and social commentary, commanding high prices at exhibitions and auctions. This has led to counterfeit distribution and theft incidents. He typically authenticates his works by posting photographs on social media. Banksy's Instagram account currently has 13.86 million followers.
