Of the numerous feats that Banksy has accomplished over the course of his career as an international artist, activist and filmmaker, perhaps the most astonishing is that while he is among the most famous figures in street art, he has managed to remain completely anonymous.
There is a method behind the madness, however. Banksy maintains that he chooses to conceal his identity to make a more democratic impact with his work, the themes of which include criticism of world leaders, consumerism and terrorism.
Although not much is known about Banksy — he sent a photo of himself with a paper bag on his head to Time magazine for a profile — it is believed that he was born in the city of Bristol, in southwest England, circa 1974. Wit, irreverence, dark humor and activism come together in his work, which spans graffiti, paintings, prints, sculptures and filmmaking. (His film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which focuses on another street artist known as Mr. Brainwash, was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2010 Academy Awards.)
Banksy began as a graffiti artist in his hometown in the early 1990s. He has found fame for his stenciled and spray-painted pieces, which are most often rooted in anti-war or antiestablishment messaging, appearing in cities such as London, New York and Los Angeles and for his “stunts” that are intended to subvert and provoke the art world. One particularly memorable stunt took place in 2018, when, as soon as one of his paintings sold at auction — Girl with a Balloon, which fetched an extraordinary $1.4 million — it self-destructed and proceeded to partially shred itself. Banksy even snuck into the Louvre and hung his own version of the Mona Lisa in 2006. Despite his elusive persona and commitment to bringing art to the masses, Banksy is one of the most coveted artists at auctions across the world.
And his work is undeniably impactful.
At a record-breaking auction organized by Damien Hirst, Bono and others to benefit AIDS charities in 2008, Banksy’s Keep It Spotless — a modified Hirst painting — fetched nearly $2 million. In May of 2020, Banksy donated Game Changer, a painting that honors UK healthcare workers, to Southampton General Hospital. When it went to auction in 2021, it sold for more than $23 million at Christie's in London. All proceeds went to the National Health Service.
Find original Banksy art for sale on 1stDibs.
Banksquiat (Grey)
By Banksy
Located in Manchester, GB
Banksy, Banksquiat (Grey), 2019 Screenprint on grey card, hand-signed in white crayon 70 x 75 cm (27.6 x 29.5 in) Edition 52 of 300 Mint condition, accompanied with a COA from Pes...
Screen
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Banksy Forgive Us Our Trespassing (with Original Don't Panic Envelope)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Wonderful double sided print by Banksy especially made for the release of his movie. Published for Banksy by Don't Panic. Original Don't Panic (publisher) envelope that these posters...
Color
Banksy Existencilism Mini Book, Self-Published, 2002
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Pocket sized book by Banksy. Released in 2002. This is Banksy's second book in the series. He released 3 books in this mini black book format in the 2000's (Banging Your Head Against...
Paper
Banksy Barely Legal Set of 6 Screen Prints, Unsigned, 2006, Pest Control COA
By Banksy
Located in Aventura, FL
Banksy's Barely Legal is a set of six screen prints on paper named after the Barely Legal exhibition held in 2006 in a warehouse in Los Angeles. From the unsigned edition and each numbered 59/500 (there are also 17 artist's proofs). Published by Modern Multiples Fine Art Editions, Los Angeles, with Pictures on Walls and the publisher's blindstamp. Pest Control authentication certificates included. The Barely Legal Set includes the following: Grannies (22.05 x 29.92 inches) Sale Ends (22.05 x 29.92 inches) Applause (29.92 x 44.89 inches) Trolleys (22.05 x 29.92 inches) Festival (22.05 x 29.92 inches) Morons (22.05 x 29.92 inches) About the Artist: Banksy (British, born 1974) is a contemporary street artist and activist who, despite his international fame, has maintained an anonymous identity. Aimed as a form of cultural criticism, the artist often targets established social and political agendas with his witty illustrations produced with stencils and spray paint in cities such as New Orleans, New York, and Paris. “The art world is the biggest joke,” he said. “It’s a rest home of the over privileged, the pretentious, and the weak.” Although details of the artist’s life are largely unknown, it is thought that Banksy was born in Bristol, United Kingdom, c. 1974, starting his career as a graffiti artist in the city. Better Out Than In, Banksy’s month-long residency in New York during October 2013, featured a man hawking the artist’s paintings for $60 a piece outside Central Park. In 2015, Banksy opened Dismaland Bemusement Park, a temporary art exhibition that functioned as a theme park. After a 36-day run, its workers and materials were sent to the Calais migrant camp in France to build additional housing. Among the artist's most famous stunts include his shredded painting: When a painting by Banksy was sold at auction for $1.4 million in 2018, a mechanism was triggered to cause the artwork to partially destroy itself, resulting in a new piece titled Love in the Bin (2018). The ongoing question as to who Banksy is continued to reach the headlines when in 2017 Robert Del Naja...
Paper, Screen
$595,000
DUMBO
By Banksy
Located in Aventura, FL
Screen print & hand-finished watercolor on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Pest Control included. Banksy’s Dumbo is an extremely rare Ban...
Paper, Screen, Watercolor
Cut It Out Mini Book by Banksy, Mini Book, Self Published, 72 Pages, 2004
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Super cool and collectible Banksy Cut It Out Mini Book. Released in 2004. Must have for the Banksy collector. Last in the series of 3 books released in mini black book format in the ...
Paper
$2,950
Welcome Mat
By Banksy
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Banksy (b. 1974) is a pseudonymous street-artist and political activist whose real name and identity remain the subject of speculation. "Welcome Mat" is a sculptural/ephemera work c...
Organic Material
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Banksy Exit Through The Gift Shop (UK Quad Movie Theater Poster)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Banksy designed this poster for his directorial debut that features him wearing a Monkey mask as he has done previously. Original UK release Quad movie theater Poster for the award w...
Offset
Banksy Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall, Mini Book, Self Published, 2001
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Very cool and collectible book, Banksy’s Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall. Released in 2001. This is Banksy's first book. He released 3 books in this mini black book format in ...
Paper
'Weston Super Mare' by Banksy
By Banksy
Located in Rochester, England
Banksy's 'Weston Super Mare' print is a captivating example of the elusive artist's poignant social commentary, rooted in his distinctive street art origins. Banksy, whose career has...
Paper
21st Century Framed Kate Moss 30/60 Numbered Lithography by Banksy
By Banksy, (after) Andy Warhol
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 21st-century lithograph presents a captivating reimagining of the British supermodel Kate Moss, executed in the unmistakable pop-art style of Banksy. A clear homage to Andy Warhol’s iconic 1960s Marilyn Monroe...
Giltwood, Paper
$490Sale Price|30% Off
Dorothy Poster Banksy vs Bristol Museum (with Original POW Tube)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Beautiful and clever Banksy poster created by Banksy and published by POW for his Bristol Museum solo exhibition. Original mailing tube this poster was shipped in from Pictures on Wa...
Offset
Banksy "Cut and Run" Rat Poster Street Urban Art
By Banksy
Located in Draper, UT
Banksy "CUT AND RUN" Technique: Offset Lithograph Paper: Thick Stock Glossy Size: 16.5 X 23.4 Materials Thick glossy paper Size 23 2/5 × 16 1/2 in 59.4 × 41.9 cm Rarity Open editi...
Lithograph
$245Sale Price|30% Off
Copper Poster Banksy vs Bristol Museum (with Original POW Tube)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Amusing Copper poster by Banksy created by Banksy for his solo show at the Bristol Museum and published by POW. Original mailing tube this poster was shipped in from Pictures on Wall...
Offset
$525Sale Price|39% Off
Klansman Poster Banksy vs Bristol Museum (with Original POW Tube)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Powerful poster of Klansman created by Banksy for his solo show at the Bristol Museum and published by POW. Original mailing tube this poster was shipped in from Pictures on Walls (P...
Offset
Four Soup Cans - Gold on Cream Screen Print, Signed, 21st Century
By Banksy
Located in Bristol, GB
Screen print in colours on 250mg cartridge paper Edition 19 of 54 Signed, numbered and dated on the front Mint. Sold with COA from Pest Control
Screen
$630Sale Price|30% Off
David Poster Banksy vs Bristol Museum (with Original POW Tube)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Beautiful David poster created by Banksy for his solo show at the Bristol Museum and published by POW. Original mailing tube this poster was shipped in from Pictures on Walls (POW) L...
Offset
2010 Exit Through the Gift Shop Banksy Original Vintage Poster
By Banksy
Located in Winchester, GB
Released in 2010, "Exit Through the Gift Shop", directed by Banksy, follows eccentric filmmaker Thierry Guetta as he stumbles into the world of street art and becomes part of a sly, ...
Paper
Hello My Name Is - Shepard Fairey Obey Contemporary Print
By Shepard Fairey
Located in Draper, UT
Hello My Name Is. 18 x 24 inches. Screenprint on cream Speckletone Paper. 18 x 24 inches. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 550. 159/550 From the Artist - "I have been...
Screen
$1,250
H 16 in W 12 in
Shepard Fairey "Paint It Black" Letterpress Edition Contemporary Rolling Stones
By Shepard Fairey
Located in Draper, UT
I've made a few Paint it Black themed images and this letterpress print was made especially for my New Clear Power show at AMUSEUM in Munich, Germany. Unfortunately, the topic r...
Screen
$880Sale Price|39% Off
H 24 in W 18 in
Cold Chillin (Blue) (Hip Hop Tribute, Turntable Motif, Faux LP Cover)
By Shepard Fairey
Located in Kansas City, MO
Shepard Fairey Cold Chillin (Blue) Screen print on thick cream Speckletone paper Year: 2008 Size: 24 x 18 inches (60.96 x 45.72 cm) Edition: 350 Signed by Shepard Fairey, dated and n...
Screen
Interior: Red Couch and Landscape
By Mickalene Thomas
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mickalene Thomas (b.1971) is an American artist exploring the intersection of popular culture and art history, through a contemporary Black female gaze. As an openly gay Black woman,...
Varnish, Glitter, Archival Pigment, Screen
$150
H 15.7 in W 11.8 in
"Personaje" 1991 Signed Original Silkscreen & Watercolor Proof 16x12in Cubism
Located in Miami, FL
"Juan Sebastian Barbera (Mexico, 1964) 'Personaje', 1991 Silkscreen and Watercolor on paper Velin Arches 300 g. 15.8 x 11.9 in. (40 x 30 cm.) ID...
Screen, Watercolor
$902
H 27.56 in W 19.69 in D 0.12 in
The Best Version Of Yourself by Jisbar (2023) Pop Art for Sale
Located in Winterswijk, NL
"The Best Version Of Yourself" by Jisbar/ Jean-Baptiste Launay is a pop-art, street style UV print on cardboard Dibond (0.3 cm) created in 2023. The artwork is hand signed, dated, a...
Paper, Color
$7,995
H 30 in W 20 in
Mr Brainwash Street Art Screenprint, 2020, Signed, Artist's Best Friend
By Mr. Brainwash
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Mr. Brainwash Title: Artist's Best Friend Medium: Unique screenprint on paper Date: 2020 Edition: One of a kind Sheet Size: 30" x 22" Signature: Hand signed in pen with thumb...
Screen
Leeward Bay
By Thomas McKnight
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Leeward Bay" is a serigraph on paper by Thomas McKnight, signed 'McKnight' lower right and numbered XIL/C lower left. From the edition of 510 (there were also 200 Arabics, 10 PPs, 7...
Paper, Screen
$16,500
H 19.3 in W 25.6 in
Internacional, Paco Pomet, From Banksy Dismaland, 2014 Limited Edition
By Paco Pomet
Located in Draper, UT
Paco Pomet, Internacional, 2014, limited edition of 60. Original edition. Made famous from Banksy's Dismaland. Framed and ready to display. Screenprint with dimensions of 49 cm x 6...
Screen
$275
H 3.5 in W 3.75 in
1980s Keith Haring Pop Stickers stickers (vintage Keith Haring Pop Shop)
By Keith Haring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Keith Haring Three Eyed Smiling Face & Crawling Baby stickers: Set of 3 stickers circa early mid 80s. Originally given out at Haring's first solo exhibit in 1982 and later sold at Haring's New York Pop Shop circa the mid 1980s. Medium: Vintage self-adhesive stickers featuring original design by Keith Haring; offset printed. 3 to 4 inches square in size (applies to each individually). Very Good vintage condition for all. Would look fantastic framed as a set. Keith Haring Pop...
Paper, Adhesive, Other Medium
$750
H 21 in W 23 in
Sag Harbor /// Contemporary Thomas McKnight Screenprint Hamptons NY Modern Art
By Thomas McKnight
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Thomas McKnight (American, 1941-) Title: "Sag Harbor" Portfolio: The Hamptons *Signed by McKnight in pencil lower right Year: 1987 Medium: Original Screenprint on soft-white ...
Screen
$1,250
H 24 in W 12 in
Shepard Fairey "Sub-Standard" Silkscreen Print Street Contemporary Art Dove
By Shepard Fairey
Located in Draper, UT
"This print is a comment on the relationship between corporate greed, fossil fuels, and the warming of the planet and collapsing ecosystems. Standard operating, pushed by players like Standard Oil and its many offshoots, should be redefined as sub-standard. If we want to maintain the standard of health our planet needs to avoid catastrophe, we can't allow big oil to put profits before the planet and profits before people (as well as many other threatened species). Keep in mind that big oil, which is already very profitable, is subsidized by you, the taxpayer, for up to $50 billion per year. In contrast, renewable energy sources are subsidized for only a quarter of that amount. We need to push for change." -Shepard Fairey A portion of proceeds from this print went to Greenpeace USA. Materials: Fine Art Paper with Gold Metallic Inks Size: 24 × 12 in 61 × 30.5 cm Rarity: Limited edition Medium: Print Condition: Print is in pristine condition and has been stored flat since purchase. Signature: Hand-signed by artist, Hand signed and numbered by the artist in pencil, Shepard Fairey. Certificate of authenticity Included (issued by gallery) Publisher: Obey Giant Studio...
Screen
Banksy, Visit Historic Palestine, 2019
By Banksy
Located in Manchester, GB
Banksy, Visit Historic Palestine, 2019 Lithograph Official Walled-Off Hotel Release 2017-20 (Now Sold Out) 42 x 59 cm Stamped by the artist's estate and embossed logo in the lower left-hand corner and stamped on the verso side of the print. Accompanied with Gallery issued Certificate of Authenticity. Produced and sold at Banksy's iconic 'Walled Off Hotel' in 2019, the Banksy Palestine...
Lithograph
Banksy Peckham Rock
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Awesome piece that depicts pre-historic figures with shopping carts. Based on the 2005 concrete sculpture of the stone Peckham Rock sculpture by Banksy. This artwork was released by...
Color, Wood
Banksy Petrolhead Round Sticker (Framed)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Banksy sticker. Petrolhead. (Petrolhead is an English term that refers to a car enthusiasts). This is Banksy’s commentary on the oil impact that cars have. Also an anti-war message c...
Adhesive, Color
Banksy Clown Sticker (Framed)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Very hard to find Banksy Clown Sticker from 2001. A great early example of Banksy’s art featuring his version of a clown. Banksy created this image as a l...
Adhesive, Color
Banksy Americans Working Overhead 018/BNK/5Y Sticker (Framed)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Ultra cool Banksy sticker resembling a British street sign. The number on the bottom “016/BNK/5Y” is the item number for this sticker. Banksy used number designations in a lot of his...
Adhesive, Color
Banksy, Visit Historic Palestine, 2019
By Banksy
Located in Manchester, GB
Banksy, Visit Historic Palestine, 2019 Lithograph Official Walled Off Hotel Release 2017-20 (Now Sold Out) 42 x 59 cm Stamped by the artist's estate and embossed logo in the lower left-hand corner and stamped on the verso side of the print Produced and sold at Banksy's iconic 'Walled Off Hotel' in 2019, the Banksy Palestine poster...
Lithograph
Banksy More Seating Upstairs Postcard (Framed)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Postcard created by Banksy and published by Pictures On Walls (POW) in 2008. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as “Caveman” or “Fast Food Caveman”. This was rumored to be released as...
Color
Peckham Rock
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Awesome piece that depicts pre-historic figures with shopping carts. Based on the 2005 concrete sculpture of the stone Peckham Rock sculpture by Banksy. This artwork was released by...
Color, Wood
Peckham Rock
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Awesome piece that depicts pre-historic figures with shopping carts. Based on the 2005 concrete sculpture of the stone Peckham Rock sculpture by Banksy. This artwork was released by...
Wood, Color
Flower Thrower Triptych
By Banksy
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Banksy Title: Flower Thrower Triptych Medium: Screenprinted triptych on Micron board Year: 2019 Edition: 268/300 Frame Size: 34 3/4" x 27" (left panel); 42" x 29 3/4" (centra...
Screen
Soup Cans (with Original POW Tube)
By Banksy
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Original mailing tube this poster was shipped in when it was purchased directly from Pictures on Walls (POW) publisher, is included. This gives the poster excellent provenance. Featu...
Lithograph
GDP Flower Thrower (Framed)
By Banksy
Located in Manchester, GB
Banksy, GDP Flower Thrower, 2019 One colour screenprint on 50 gsm paper Unframed: 57.5 x 76.5 cm (22.63 x 30.11 in) Framed: 78.5 x 97.5 cm (30.91 x 38.39 in) Limited Edition (Unkn...
Screen