Banksy's newest mural, which critiques legal actions against political protests in the U.K., was displayed outside the Royal Courts of Justice. (Courtesy of Getty)
For years, Banksy, the elusive graffiti artist, has remained a mystery. His politically charged and provocative artwork has made a significant impact on the art world, yet his true identity has been kept hidden. Now, an investigation by Reuters claims to have uncovered the real name of the anonymous artist.
The Investigation Into Banksy’s Identity
On March 13, 2026, Reuters published an investigation titled In Search of Banksy, detailing an extensive search for the artist's true identity. The investigation covers multiple leads, including a trip to Ukraine, a fallout with Jamaican photographer Peter Dean Rickards, and a 2000 New York arrest, where a signed confession was discovered. These findings, combined with interviews and photographs, point to Robin Gunningham, a man who is believed to have changed his name to David Jones years ago.
Reuters rejects previous claims that Banksy could be Robert Del Naja, the frontman of the band Massive Attack, who has long been rumored to be the artist due to his political views and interest in graffiti. While Del Naja was in Ukraine in 2022, an additional man accompanied him during the trip—this man, according to Reuters, was Banksy. The investigation suggests that Gunningham is the person behind the famous artwork, backing up an earlier report by The Mail on Sunday that named Gunningham as Banksy.
Banksy’s Lawyer Responds
Banksy’s lawyer, Mark Stephens, strongly disagreed with the Reuters report. In a letter, Stephens argued that many of the details in the investigation were incorrect and said revealing Banksy’s identity would violate the artist’s privacy. He emphasized the importance of anonymity in art, stating that working under a pseudonym allows creators to speak freely without fear of censorship or retaliation. He also warned that publicizing the true identity of Banksy could put the artist in danger and harm society by threatening freedom of expression.
Despite this, Reuters went ahead with their findings, stating that the public has a strong desire to understand the identity of a figure who has had a profound influence on culture, politics, and the art world.
Banksy’s Impact on Art and Culture
Banksy’s work has sparked intense debate and captivated audiences worldwide. One of his most famous pieces, Girl With Balloon, shocked the art world when it self-destructed immediately after being sold at auction in 2018, leading to the creation of Love Is in the Bin, which sold for $25 million. Reuters claims that a man resembling Gunningham was present at the Sotheby’s auction when the artwork was shredded.
Another of Banksy’s recent works, Royal Courts of Justice, sparked controversy in 2022. The artwork depicted a judge attacking an unarmed protester with a gavel and was thought to comment on the legal crackdown on pro-Palestine protests in England. The piece was quickly removed, but it remains a powerful example of Banksy’s art as political commentary.
Graffiti and the Law
Banksy’s work, while celebrated by many, also faces legal challenges. Graffiti is illegal in the U.K. if done without permission on public or private property. Some of Banksy’s peers have confessed that they believe he avoids legal consequences unfairly, given the widespread admiration for his work.
