Title: “Uncovered Video Sparks Speculation of Banksy’s Face”
A recently discovered video from 2003 is believed to be the only recorded instance of world-renowned artist Banksy speaking on camera. The footage was found in the archives of ITV News, but does it truly reveal the face of the elusive graffiti artist behind iconic artworks like “Girl with the Balloon” and “The Mild, Mild West”?
Banksy’s true identity has remained a mystery since his emergence in the 1990s. The Bristol-born artist has gained global recognition for his distinctive graffiti-style creations, appearing everywhere from New York to his hometown.
Various theories about Banksy’s identity have circulated over the years, with one popular belief suggesting he could be Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack, although this has not been proven. Some reports even claim Banksy is Robin Gunningham from Bristol, supported by statements from former classmates, yet this also remains unconfirmed.
However, there exists unearthed footage that is thought to capture Banksy’s face. The video, discovered by ITV, was filmed during the 2003 Turf War exhibition in London. The individual claiming to be Banksy conceals his identity by wearing a baseball cap and a balaclava.
In the interview, conducted by ITV News correspondent Haig Gordon (now retired), the self-proclaimed Banksy explains the necessity of maintaining anonymity: “I’m disguised because you can’t really be a graffiti writer and then go public. The two things don’t quite go together.”
Throughout the footage, the man showcases a collection of his art, including painted farm animals, and is later seen spray painting an insect stencil. Another clip reveals a picture of a baby playing with alphabet blocks spelling out ‘KILL MORE’, which is attributed to Banksy.
The video was unearthed in 2019 by ITV reporter Robert Murphy during his research on Banksy. Murphy had forgotten about the interview until a conversation with Bristol reporter Gordon, who claims to have seen the man’s face but cannot recall it today.
The identity of Banksy remains an enigma, even three decades after his initial artwork. Many speculate that Banksy may be a collective of artists rather than an individual, which could explain the widespread appearance of his work worldwide. However, the true answer remains a matter of speculation.
