A Reuters investigation caused a stir when it revealed the identity of the mysterious graffiti artist Banksy. It turns out to be a man in his 50s from Bristol, England, born Robin Gunningham, who reportedly changed his name officially to David Jones, one of the most common names in the United Kingdom. Reuters reported that the artist later took the name David Jones.
Art experts believe the exposure is unlikely to hurt sales of his work, and it will probably even make the pieces more expensive. However, it may make it harder for him to continue spray-painting graffiti on buildings without being caught.
The image shows Banksy’s painting “Girl with Balloon,” which was apparently destroyed shortly after being sold to a telephone bidder for $1.2 million at Sotheby’s auction house in London. Reuters noted that the work sold for $1.4 million before the frame’s hidden shredder activated, and later reporting also described the same Sotheby’s incident.
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/global-art-banksy
