
The internet has long been abuzz with Banksy, the world’s most infamous street artist. But what is the big deal about Banksy, where can you find his work and what has he said about his art to set the world to talking about it? This thoroughly researched in-depth eight-part guide will walk you through the entire world of Banksy, from his stencil and graffiti work to prints, interviews, quotes, forums and other resources. Skim the overviews and click the links for more information.

1) Introduction: Who is Banksy? In a world where the face of a politician, actor or artist is generally as widely recognized as their influence and work Banksy has struggled for years to maintain the mystery of his identity. He has created work around the world with messages ranging from subversive to downright silly but little is known for sure about his background - though much has been speculated and many have claimed to have figured out who he really is.

2) Banksy Graffiti, Stencils and Drawings: While he has subsequently become known for all kinds of installation art and other culture jamming projects Banksy has his roots in traditional graffiti, stencils and drawings. Much of his earliest - and now most valuable - work can be found scrawled in notebooks or on public walls around Great Britain. Extensive use of stencils in particular has helped Banksy work more quickly and maintain his anonymity.

3) Banksy Photos, Prints and Tattooes:The growing fame of Banksy and his work has resulted in a huge following of people who have extensively documented his art with photographs, collected prints which he has sold and even gotten custom tattooes of his work put on their bodies. For many of his fans from around the world this is the easiest, best or only way to have contact with Banksy’s work which is far away.

4) Banksy Art Sold and For Sale: Along with his fame Banksy appears to have accumulate quite a fortune, with his work being shown in famous galleries around the world and purchased by collectors at astonishing prices. People who own Banksy pieces as parts of walls or as individual objects and drawing have been able to sell them for hundreds of thousands of dollars to famous collectors including Brat Pitt.

5) Banksy Interviews, Films and Videos: Despite his own camera-shy nature the elusive Banksy has been interviewed a number of times and is the subject of numerous films and videos. With his fame, however, he has also had to work harder than ever to avoid being unmasked, ducking out of interviews early or conducting them remotely - and always blurs out his face on the few videos that exist of him working.

6) Banksy Quotes and Sound Bites: Though many have derided him as an egotist Banksy is both clever and self-effacing when he speaks about his work. He is full of clever-but-meaningful quotes about the nature of his work as well as his opinions on graffiti and the artworld at large. He is at once crass but also deeply thoughtful in a way that those familiar with his work might not be entirely surprised by.

7) Banksy Books, Websites and Forums: As Banksy has become more popular, successful and influential a wealth of supporting material has sprung up around him. There are now books by him and by others about his work and ideals as well as websites and forums dedicated to discussing his art and motives. Some of these books contain glimpses into his past as well as full-color collections of his early works.

8) Banksy Art Locations Around the World: After all of this discussion of the nature of his work, his origins, influences, inspirations and opinions … where can you actually find Banksy’s work? As it turns out he has travelled extensively and managed to remain under the radar while doing so. This final article describes some of his most famous locations where you too can go and see the work of the infamous Banksy.
Banksy Art and Graffiti 1: Introduction - Who is Banksy?
Banksy Art and Graffiti 2: Graffiti, Drawings and Stencils
Banksy Art and Graffiti 3: Tattoos, Photos and Prints
Banksy Art and Graffiti 4: Art Sold and For Sale
Banksy Art and Graffiti 5: Interviews, Films and Videos
Banksy Art and Graffiti 6: Best Quotes and Sound Bites
Banksy Art and Graffiti 7: Books, Forums and Websites
Banksy Art and Graffiti 8: Locations Around the World
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31 Comments
September 18th, 2008 at 5:56 am
More like Wanksy, amirite?
September 18th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Great piece some of the images still make me laugh when I see them. Amazing how much them little black books fetch these days
September 18th, 2008 at 5:57 am
nice looking piece, please make friends with doco banksy on facebook. pass your e mail address and you will be sent a five minute “found” film about banksy.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
Banksy Art Guide
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:31 am
I always have loved his stuff. I hope that he stays unmasked and continues to make great pieces
November 30th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Banksy, your work is BEAUTIFUL!
December 21st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Banksy is No. 1
February 17th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Great summary of a fantastic artist! I posted a link to this story on my site.
Wall and Piece is the most popular thread on my coffee table. Kramer’s coffee table book on coffee tables is a close second…
March 5th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Stop talking about me
March 6th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
If your out there, I’ve been trying to contact you for a print forever, i own a magazine here in miami “Pancake3″ which is aimed towards helping young artists progress and would love to buy a print for our office. Your art is amazing and inspirational.
chad@pancake3.com
March 6th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Forgot to mention, the shot of the field with a wall running though it that has the girl chasing an umbrella is amazing. Really triggered something in my mind.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Street arts are really cool. But does he get paid for creating all these?
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Any idea exactly where some of the pieces are on the prison wall in Palestine are?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Hi,
I am selling some Banksy Di-Faced tenner prints.
If you are interested, Please email me at artstar2009 (at) gmail.com
Thanks!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Master BANKSY & MASTER GOLDIE. are smash it together on myspace. please go 2 myspace.com/drum_bass_streetart or google drum and bass graffiti and go 2 D&B Gaffiti. its the second site listed… thank you from ladysweetness
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