LAist: Bansky Identified? Does It Matter?

July 23, 2008

Bansky Identified? Does It Matter?

Banksy's identity maybe revealed, will he come back to Los Angeles?
Photo by xxjetlab via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr

A week ago Sunday, the London paper, Mail on Sunday, revealed "compelling evidence suggesting" the identity of the famous and anonymous street artist, Banksy, as Robin Gunningham. To date Gunningham nor Banksy's agent or spokesperson, have not confirmed this. And a note from Banksy's on his website says "anyone described as 'good at drawing' doesn't sound like Banksy to me."

Banksy frequented Los Angeles and even held a popular art show (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt bought some of his art) and people are continually asking if Banksy's art is now devalued with his mysteriousness gone, even if the Mail's claim is not 100% confirmed.

If true, sure, the fun of the mystery is gone, but hold your horses on nay-saying the art itself--the societal and political statements made and the magic of when and where it appears are also a part of the success of Banksy, if not more (even once at Disneyland).

And with that, we hope that he, whoever he is, whether he is Gunningham or not, continues to visit Los Angeles to delight us with his art.