By Natalia Page
Since 1990, Banksy, an anonymous identity, has been known as a freehand graffiti artist, who creates controversial pieces that often cause spectators to reflect on social, political or cultural issues.
Banksy’s First Mural
Banksy first came to notice in the early 1990s, particularly for his piece titled ‘The Mild Mild West’. In this mural, a teddy bear is pictured with a flaming bottle in its hand, aiming it towards three police officers holding riot shields. This was a satirical response to various unauthorised raves and gatherings being held in abandoned warehouses around Bristol, and consequently drawing attention from the police. As pictured above, the name ‘Banksy’ is boldly written at the bottom of this mural. The victimized bear is a symbol of youth and innocence, depicting the Bristol police officers as aggressive and violent, sparking controversy. However, this was no doubt the beginning of Banksy’s road to fame.
Banksy’s Most Recent Mural
The elusive artist’s work can only be confirmed as authentic through his Instagram page, as demonstrated in Banky’s recent post about his newest mural. This piece appeared on the 29th of May 2025, in Marseille, France. The piece depicts a black lighthouse, framed by the words ‘I want to be what you saw in me’ in all capital letters. These words emphasise that Banky’s artwork can be openly interpreted by the public eye with vast contrast.
How much do we know about the artist themselves?
It has been speculated that Banksy comes from Bristol, England. It is quite likely that he lives somewhere in England, as the majority of his pieces have been spotted there. It has even been suggested by the public that Banksy is not an individual muralist, but a group of talented artists who work together to create these powerful pieces. To some, he is a vandalising criminal, to others he is a figure of admiration, but regardless, the identity of Banksy remains an ongoing mystery.