Who is Banksy?
Hardly any other name causes as much speculation in the art world as Banksy. No one knows exactly who he is – and yet almost everyone is familiar with his work. His street art appears overnight, provokes, moves us and makes us think about society, politics and art.
Who is Banksy?
Banksy is an anonymous street artist from Great Britain who has been attracting worldwide attention with his works since the 1990s. His identity remains unclear to this day – and that is precisely part of his fascination. He mostly works with stencils and spray paint, often combining clear messages, irony and a dash of black humour.
His art – more than just paint on a wall
Banksy uses streets, walls and buildings as his canvas to highlight social issues. His works address topics such as war, consumerism, capitalism, the climate crisis and social inequality. A famous example is the girl with the red balloon – a simple motif that has become known worldwide as a symbol of hope and loss.
Other well-known works:
- Girl with Balloon
- There is Always Hope
- Flower Thrower
- The Son of a Migrant from Syria
- Love is in the Air
Banksy at heycreate
Banksy Street Art
Secure your spot at one of our upcoming events. Because sometimes the best souvenir isn't a photo, but your own painting. At our Banksy painting events, you can choose from one of three Banksy designs.
What makes Banksy special
While classical art often hangs in museums, Banksy brings his works directly to the people. He forces viewers to think about art in their everyday lives. His art is rebellious, accessible and socially critical – and that is precisely what makes him so unique.
Even though some of his works are now worth millions, Banksy's basic idea remains the same: art belongs to everyone. It should ask questions, stimulate discussion and move people.
From the street to the museum – and back again
Time and again, Banksy's works have been removed from walls and auctioned off. But the artist himself rejects commercialisation. In 2018, he shocked the art world when one of his paintings (‘Girl with Balloon’) shredded itself immediately after an auction. An action that perfectly matches his attitude: art cannot be completely owned – it lives in the moment.
What we can learn from Banksy
Art does not always have to be beautiful, quiet or well-behaved. It can be uncomfortable, ask questions and stimulate thought. It is precisely this freedom that inspires many participants at our heycreate events: painting not to create something perfect, but to express something.
Want to get creative yourself?
At heycreate, you can experience this freedom for yourself – without any pressure, with colour, emotion and fun.
Discover how liberating it is to just get started and find your own expression at our painting events.