Banksy is an anonymous British street artist, political activist, and film director, believed to have been born around 1974 in Bristol, England

. He is renowned for his distinctive stencil-based graffiti art that often carries anti-authoritarian and satirical messages, featuring recurring motifs such as rats, policemen, apes, and children

. Banksy's work is characterized by dark humor and social commentary, frequently appearing unexpectedly on public surfaces worldwide, which generates significant media attention

. He began his career as a freehand graffiti artist in the early 1990s within the Bristol underground scene and later adopted stencils to increase the speed and impact of his work

. Banksy has also expanded his practice to include installations and performance art, such as releasing live rats in galleries and covertly installing art in major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Tate Britain

. His true identity remains unconfirmed and is the subject of much speculation, with some theories suggesting his real name could be Robin or Robert Banks, though this is not verified

. Banksy maintains his anonymity as a core part of his artistic persona, allowing him to operate as a provocateur and cultural icon without personal exposure

. In addition to his visual art, Banksy directed the documentary film Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature

. He has received recognition such as the Webby Person of the Year award in 2014 for his influence in digital and contemporary culture

. In summary, Banksy is a pseudonymous and elusive figure whose politically charged and provocative street art has made him one of the most famous and influential contemporary artists of the 21st century