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.
21st Century Framed Kate Moss 30/60 Numbered Lithography by Banksy
By (after) Andy Warhol, Banksy
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
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
The Stone Roses Original Vintage Concert Poster, Blackpool, 1989
Located in Devon, GB
A large and striking silkscreen concert poster for The Stone Roses' seminal gig at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, England, on Saturday 12th August 1989. Following the release of their eponymous debut album in May 1989, Manchester musicians Ian Brown...
Paper
$544Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.94 in W 18.71 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage Poster by Bernard Buffet May 1958 Original Vintage Poster
By Bernard Buffet
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage poster by Bernard Buffet May 1958.
Paper
Vintage Framed Numbered Print
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage framed numbered print Dimensions. 25 1/4 W ; 1 D ; 18 H.
Wood
$255Sale Price|40% Off
H 15 in W 12 in D 1 in
1942 WWII Pin-up Nude Female Lithograph by Signed C Moss in Wood Frame
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1942 lithograph artwork print of a nude woman, bare-chested in a sea of silk with soft nighttime rim light sculpting her body in this silhouette. The print comes in its orig...
Paper
Custom Framed Lithograph by Marcel Vertes, Signed and Numbered
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a beautiful custom-framed lithograph by Hungarian-born French artist, Marcel Vertes, entitled "Circus Queens". The piece is signed, Vertes, in the lower right corner and numbered, "30/50" in the lower left corner. The image itself measures 23" high x 16" wide. The frame is a 2" thick 2 toned framed, black and a subtle cerused-like grey. It was originally sold through the Vincent Price...
Wood
Framed Collage Artwork by Sébastien Coutheillas, 21st Century
Located in San Francisco, US
Offered is an original framed collage by Sébastien Coutheillas, adding a refined layer of contemporary character to any space. Composed on bookbinding and elegantly framed, its intim...
Paper
Framed Collage Artwork by Sébastien Coutheillas, 21st Century
Located in San Francisco, US
Offered is an original mixed-media collage by Paris-born Sébastien Coutheillas, featuring a vintage black‑and‑white portrait dramatic...
Wood, Paint, Paper
The Jam Original Vintage UK Tour Poster, 1978
Located in Devon, GB
A rare original tour poster for The Jam's 1978 UK Apocalypse Tour, screenprinted in black on vibrant neon orange. Following the release of their third studio album 'All Mod Cons' on ...
Paper, Linen
$3,600
H 50 in W 35.4 in D 0.1 in
GENERAL DYNAMICS - EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE Original Vintage Graphic Design Poster
By Erik Nitsche
Located in Chicago, IL
GENERAL DYNAMICS - EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE - WORLDS WITHOUT ENDS Rare authentic original vintage Swiss graphic design poster Condition: B Dimensio...
Paper
$1,991
H 19.3 in W 26.78 in D 0.79 in
1980s Pair of Marbellas Banus Port Numbered and Signed Lithographies
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s pair of Marbellas Banus Port numbered and signed lithographies. Dimensions with frame: 56 x 76 x 2cm.
Paper
$950
H 22 in W 21 in D 0.75 in
Colorful Geometric Lithograph by Victor Vasarely Signed and Numbered 22" x 21"
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Atlanta, GA
Colorful Geometric Lithograph by Victor Vasarely, France, circa 1960s. This work is pencil signed and numbered 44/250.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Bernhard Buffet Lithography in Mogens Koch Oregon Pine Frame
By Rud Rasmussen, Bernard Buffet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bernard Buffet 1928-1999. French lithograph: Nature morte à la bouteille (Still-Life with Bottle). Signed Bernard Buffet. 64. Framed in a Mogens Koch Oregon...
Pine, Paper
$3,411
H 42.52 in W 29.73 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage Poster by Hunziker for a Sale at Knopf Children's Shop in Basel
By Gerold Hunziker
Located in London, GB
Original vintage German advertising poster for a sale in the Knopf children's shop in Basel featuring a fun image by Gerold Hunziker (1894-1980) of a dog on a leash held by a child like leprechaun character wearing a green outfit...
Paper
Lithography by Niels Østergaard Danish, b.1924
Located in Handewitt, DE
Niels Østergaard (Danish, b.1924). Lithography 1959. Title: "Sendemasten ved Arsballe pa Bornholm".
Paper
$3,411
H 39.97 in W 25.01 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage London Transport Poster It Is Better To Shop Early In The Month
By Clifford & Rosemary Ellis
Located in London, GB
Original vintage poster issued by the London Passenger Transport Board - It is better to Shop early Early in the month - by the notable British graphic artist, printmaker and art tea...
Paper
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 0.79 in
21st Century Framed 79/50 Lithograph The Flying Balloon Girl by Banksy
By Banksy
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking contemporary artwork captures one of Banksy's most globally recognized motifs, the Flying Balloon Girl, presented as a high-quality licensed reprint lithograph. It feat...
Fruitwood, Paper
Sold
H 58.75 in W 39.25 in D 0.01 in
Blur 'Think Tank' Original Bus Stop Promotional Poster by Banksy, British, 2003
By Banksy
Located in Devon, GB
An oversized UK promotional poster by anonymous street artist Banksy for the 2003 release of Britpop band Blur's seventh studio album 'Think Tank.' In a rare foray into commercial wo...
Paper
Sold
H 58.5 in W 39.5 in D 0.1 in
Blur 'Think Tank' Original Bus Stop Promotional Poster by Banksy, British, 2003
By Banksy
Located in Devon, GB
An oversized UK promotional poster by anonymous street artist Banksy for the 2003 release of Britpop band Blur's seventh studio album 'Think Tank.' In a rare foray into commercial wo...
Paper
Banksy Grannies 2006 Limited Edition Unsigned Screen Print
By Banksy
Located in Bath, Somerset
Banksy’s wonderfully iconic Grannies was first shown as a painting at his seminal 2006 Los Angeles Barely Legal exhibition. One of the highlights of the show, this highly amusing and sardonic piece features two sweet yet subversive Grannies set against a striking block pink background enjoying a nice cuppa whilst knitting ‘Punk’s Not Dead’ and ‘Thug For Life’ jumpers! This original Banksy...
Paper
Sold
H 58.75 in W 39 in D 0.1 in
Blur 'Think Tank' Original Bus Stop Promotional Poster by Banksy, British, 2003
By Banksy
Located in Devon, GB
An oversized UK promotional poster by anonymous street artist Banksy for the 2003 release of Britpop band Blur's seventh studio album 'Think Tank.' In a rare foray into commercial wo...
Paper
Sold
H 22.5 in W 16.5 in D 0.25 in
Contemporary Unframed Banksy Rude Silkscreen Stamped 632/500 Graffiti Art
By Banksy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an unframed, copper silkscreen of Bansky's "Rude." Banksy is the most well known Graffiti artist of today. This silkscreen is hand stamped Banksy on the bac...
Paper
Sold
H 27.5 in W 19.5 in D 0.25 in
Contemporary Unframed Banksy Stop Search Screenprint Stamped 79/500 Graffiti Art
By Banksy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an unframed screenprint of Bansky's "Stop & Search." Banksy is the most well known Graffiti artist of today. This silkscreen is hand stamped Banksy on the b...
Paper
Sold
H 25 in W 19 in D 1.5 in
Contemporary Framed Banksy Offset Lithograph Kill Your Television Graffiti Art
By Banksy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a framed offset lithograph of Bansky's "Kill Your Television," which tells the tale of the downfall of humans with humor. In excellent condition. The dimens...
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 19.5 in D 1 in
Contemporary Framed Banksy Offset Litho Follow your Dreams-Cancelled Graffiti
By Banksy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a framed offset lithograph of Bansky's "Follow Your Dreams-Cancelled." In excellent condition. The dimensions of the frame are 28" W x 19" H and the dimensi...
Paper
Sold
H 58.75 in W 39.25 in D 0.1 in
Blur "Think Tank" Original Promotional Poster by Banksy, British, 2003
By Banksy
Located in Devon, GB
An oversized UK promotional poster by anonymous street artist Banksy for the 2003 release of Britpop band Blur's seventh studio album 'Think Tank.' In a rare foray into commercial wo...
Paper