The BBC has rediscovered an interview with Banksy that had never been broadcast in its entirety and which appears to reveal the elusive British artist’s first name.
During the interview, conducted in 2003 and resurrected for a special episode of ‘The Banksy Story’ podcast, a BBC journalist had asked the graffiti artist if his name was “Robert Banks,” to which he replied, “It’s Robbie.”
This is one of few interviews given to radio by the globally renowned artist, who has kept his identity hidden since the inception of his career and sells activist work for tens of millions of euros.
Speculation about the artist’s identity has been rife, with names like Robin, Robert, or Robbie previously suggested. Nigel Wrench, a former BBC culture journalist, had interviewed the artist, then in his 20s, in 2003 on the opening of his ‘Turf War’ exhibition in London.
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The interview was not fully broadcast at the time. However, nearly 20 years later, while listening to the Banksy podcast, the journalist remembered his interview with the artist and found the full recording on a disc he kept at home.
Banksy likened his graffiti to “quick”, “microwaveable” meals and felt that he did not need to apologise for his stencil works painted without permission in public spaces. When questioned about the illegality of his works, the ardent Brexit critic, advocate for migrants and supporter of Ukrainians fighting the Russians, gave some advice: “Get out of your house! Cause some damage! Have some fun!”
The British broadcaster’s podcast also featured another interview which Banksy is believed to have given to US radio station NPR in 2005. “We assume you are who you claim to be, but how can we be sure?” asked the host, to which his guest replied, “Oh, there’s no guarantee about that.”
An impending legal battle between Banksy and Full Color Black (FCB), a company that sells greeting cards inspired by the artist’s stencils, might soon force him to reveal his name to the public.
FCB has sued the artist and Pest Control, the outfit that authenticates his work, for defamation after the artist took to Instagram to express his displeasure over the similarities with his work.
