It was more than 20 years ago that the first work by the graffiti artist known only as Banksy appeared on British streets. Although the artist’s real identity remains a mystery, his popularity has risen steadily over the years. This helps explains why his latest project, Dismaland, has been attracting so much attention. Banksy’s take on a popular theme park, a glorification of dystopia, has just opened in Somerset, England.
Exactly how did a person who chooses to remain anonymous become one of the world’s most famous art brands? By telling a compelling story through his work – that of the anti-establishment hero and the man of the people, combining satire, irony and humour. His graffiti in the rubble of Gaza best illustrate these traits.
It’s this ability that has helped confirm street art as a legitimate genre and catapulted Banksy to a leading role in the anti-establishment establishment.