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Perhaps the most mysterious artist of our time seems to have disclosed a hint about his first name, and it happened 20 years ago.
In a 2003 recording, BBC reporter Nigel Wrench inquired if the artist was named "Robert Banks."
To which the artist responded:
"It's Robbie."
Online speculation regarding the artist's first name has persisted. Robin? Robert? Just Robbie? The complete interview is available on BBC Sounds as part of Radio 4's “The Banksy Story.”
A bonus podcast episode was recorded following the discovery of the recording.
In this episode, Banksy draws a comparison between his art approach, involving creating graffiti quickly and under cover, and the rapid nature of microwaving meals.
He described his method as swift, saying:
"I want to get it done and dusted."
This segment is among the earliest known radio interviews with the artist, who is frequently characterized as "mysterious" and "secretive" by the media.
Although Banksy's true identity remains undisclosed, the interview provided fans with a rare opportunity to hear his voice.
During the interview, conducted by former BBC arts correspondent Mr. Wrench in the summer of 2003 to coincide with the opening of Banksy's Turf War show in east London, the artist, then in his 20s, defended vandalism as a form of art.
Banksy said:
"I'm not here to apologize for it. It's a quicker way of making your point, right?"
Addressing the question of whether graffiti constitutes vandalism and is illegal, Banksy advised:
"Go out! Trash things! Have fun!"
He added that others could paint over their work:
"Other people, they can change it. They can get rid of it."
The recently uncovered material includes Banksy's analogy between vandalism and art and his mother's approach to cooking Sunday roast, drawing a parallel to creating art quickly.
The interview was initially edited and aired on the BBC's PM program in July 2003, but not all of the material was used. Many years later, Mr. Wrench rediscovered the full interview on a minidisc in his home.
People everywhere had thoughts about this name reveal.
Based in England, Banksy has gained prominence through satirical graffiti pieces on buildings around the world. Despite being one of the world's most famous artists, he maintains an officially undisclosed identity.