This artist has made a name for himself, creating street art throughout the world. You’ve seen his work pop up on walls in London, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Palestine, and of course New York City. But what you haven’t seen, is this mysterious creature of the night. Who is the famous graffiti artist and why must he keep his identity a secret?

Unknown of his real name and most of his background, Banksy's history is quite a mystery. It is believed that his work began around 1990-1994 when he started as a freehand graffiti artist. He worked closely with Bristol’s DryBreadZ Crew, which also include Kato and Tes. In 1997 his first known mural, the Mild Mild West, was noticed on Stokes Croft in Bristol. After gaining experience and inspiration in 2000 he turned to the art of stenciling when he realized it would take less time to complete his work. Banksy soon started to get recognized by the people of Bristol and London. Between years of 2002-2003 Banksy began showcasing his work in exhibits in Los Angeles, London and Sydney, Australia. In most of his art work a recurring theme or anti–establishments, anti-war, and anti-capitalist occurred, the subjects often including policemen, children, soldiers, apes and rats.
By 2007 Banksy’s artwork had become mainstream. Singer, Christina Aguilera, bought a Banksy painting that displayed Queen Victoria as a lesbian. She also bought two prints worth $28,000. Soon after, multiple pieces of his work started to get auctioned off, such as paintings of Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, and the Mona Lisa for more than 50,000 each. This soon became known as the "Banksy Effect” with everyone rapidly interested in street art. With the years to come it seems as if the effect is till in play with much of his artwork still being recognized and auctioned.

No matter how much recognition Banksy gets for his work, his identity still remains a secret. It is believed by some former classmates that the man behind the artwork is Robin Gunninghan, however rumors have surfaced that Banksy might be a woman, or even a ten of seven artist. No matter who it is, Banksy has turned the art world upside down and will continue to do so no matter what.