What Is Banksy's Real Identity? Here Are The People Thought To Be The Elusive Urban Artist Through The Years

Fresh buzz around Banksy's identity has resurfaced after a detailed Reuters investigation suggested the elusive artist may be Bristol-born Robin Gunningham — a theory long discussed but never confirmed.

The report traces decades of clues, from arrest records to travel links, yet the artist himself has stayed silent, with his team declining to verify the claims.

Over the years, several names have been linked to Banksy, ranging from viral hoaxes to serious investigations. Here's a look back at the most talked-about theories.

1. The 'Banksy Is a Woman' Theory

The idea that Banksy could be a collective led by a woman gained attention after the documentary Banksy Does New York.

Some pointed to behind-the-scenes footage from Exit Through the Gift Shop as 'evidence.' Still, experts have largely dismissed the theory, saying it misunderstands the artist's style and approach.

2. The Dismaland 'Parking Attendant' Mystery

When Banksy opened his dystopian art project Dismaland in 2015, fans believed he might be hiding in plain sight.

One parking attendant was even mistaken for the artist, but it turned out he was simply a local employee, not the man behind the murals.

3. Paul Horner

In 2014, reports claimed a man named Paul Horner had been arrested and identified as Banksy.

The story spread quickly until it was debunked as satire. Banksy's publicist later confirmed the claim was completely false, making this one of the earliest viral hoaxes tied to his identity.

4. Richard Pfeiffer

Brooklyn artist Richard Pfeiffer found himself at the centre of confusion in 2015 when police accused him of creating a Banksy-style piece in New York.

He was briefly arrested but later cleared when it became obvious the artwork didn't match his style. The case highlighted how easily speculation can spiral around the anonymous artist.

5. Robin Banks

In one of the more bizarre stories, a teenager claimed he met a man calling himself 'Robin Banks' on a train in England, who handed him a signed artwork.

The story gained attention because of the pun, but it's widely dismissed as either a joke or a misunderstanding.

6. Thierry Guetta (Mr Brainwash)

French artist Thierry Guetta, also known as Mr Brainwash, became a central figure in Banksy's own documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop.

Some viewers believed the film was a prank, suggesting Guetta was Banksy. Most art experts, however, have rejected this idea, pointing to major differences in artistic style and intent.

7. The Red Hook Warehouse Clue

Photos from Brooklyn's Red Hook neighbourhood, showing a group preparing an installation linked to Banksy's work, led to intense online speculation.

Observers tried to identify the artist among the group — but like many sightings, it offered more questions than answers.

8. The Australian 'Caught on Camera' Sighting

A YouTube video claiming to show Banksy in Melbourne sparked fresh speculation.

The footage captured a man painting before quickly walking away when confronted. While intriguing, there's no solid proof tying the individual to Banksy, just another addition to the growing list of sightings.

9. Robert Del Naja

One of the most talked-about theories links Banksy to Robert Del Naja, a founding member of Massive Attack.

The connection comes from overlapping timelines — Banksy artworks have appeared in cities shortly after Massive Attack tour stops. Del Naja has denied the claim, though reports suggest he may have collaborated with the artist on some projects.

10. Robin Gunningham

Perhaps the most convincing theory people had can actually be true.

Robin Gunningham has been the most widely cited name linked to Banksy, and the Reuters investigation has brought that theory back into sharp focus.

The report points to a 2000 New York arrest tied to a vandalised billboard, where court records and a handwritten confession reportedly carry Gunningham's name. It also connects him to early Banksy activity in Bristol and suggests he may have later adopted another identity to stay hidden.

However, despite the depth of the findings, there is still no official confirmation. Banksy's team has declined to comment, and his lawyer has disputed parts of the report without directly denying it, leaving the mystery technically unsolved.