Banksy is a secret graffiti artist from Yate near Bristol, England. His satirical street art has mysteriously popped up, off and on, in cities across the globe.
Banky's works of art often offer an irreverently humorous political and social commentary.
No one knows the true identity of this mysterious artist. Some say he's Robert, Robden, Robin Gunningham or Robin Banks.
Christina Aguilera and Brad Pitt are known collectors of Banksy's art.
His spray can and stencil wizardry has been mimicked by hundreds of artists across the world.
They say he's devised a series of intricate stencils to avoid getting caught while finishing a piece in a public place.
In 2004, Banksy had the temerity to walk into the Louvre to hang a picture he had painted resembling the Mona Lisa but with a yellow smiley face.
Critics see Banksy as a 'preachy street vandal' and 'attention grabber' who 'defaces' walls, objects and icons to create 'unauthorized' art for theatrical effect.
As an answer to his critics, Banks wrote in his website: I am unable to comment on who may or may not be Banksy, but anyone described as being 'good at drawing' doesn't sound like Banksy to me. To see more of his work please visit his website www.banksy.co.uk
