Secretive UK artist Banksy reveals first name in newly unearthed interview
- The enigmatic street artist, who some claim is called Robin or Robert Banks, gave his name as ‘Robbie’ in a 2003 recording
- The interview is one of the few known to exist with Banksy, whose identity has long been the source of speculation
A rare nugget of information about the famously enigmatic street art superstar Banksy emerged Tuesday when he gave his first name as “Robbie” in an unearthed 2003 BBC interview.
In the interview, one of the few known to exist with the global art phenomenon, he is asked if his name “Robert Banks”, to which he replies: “It’s Robbie.”
His identity has long been the source of speculation, with some claiming his name was Robin or Robert Banks.
Banksy talks about his distinctive stencilling style in the interview, a podcast bonus part of a series called The Banksy Story.
“It’s quick … I want to get it done and dusted,” he is heard to say of his work.
The artist was in his 20s at the time, and was promoting the opening of his “Turf War” show in East London.
The series also contains a 2005 interview the artist purportedly gave with US broadcaster National Public Radio (NPR).