Banksy Unmasked?

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• News
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• BTEC, GCSE

Introduction

Welcome to this lesson about the possible identity of the famous artist, Banksy.

Has Banksy Been Unmasked?

1

Yes

2

No

3

A little

Have you heard about this?

What do you already know about the

unveiling of Banksy?

How do you feel about this news story?

Lesson Objectives

• Know who Banksy is and why he is so famous
  

• Explain why he deliberately chose to remain anonymous

• Understand what it would mean if the artist were truly unmasked

Wat is er aan de hand?

What?

The investigative journalists of news agency Reuters claim to know who the mysterious graffiti artist Banksy is

.

Where?

The whole world is following the news. But especially in the United Kingdom, because the artist is from Bristol.

Who?

Robin Gunningham is said to be the mysterious artist. He called himself Mr. Banks among other names at the beginning of his career.

Background

What You Need to Know About Banksy's Art

• He started as a graffiti artist. To work quickly, he developed the stencil technique*.

• With this technique, he can swiftly leave an artwork in unexpected places and at unexpected times. Mysterious and exciting!

• The same goes for the artist himself. Because no one knows (or knew) who he is, it could be anyone!

Stencil Technique:
It is creating art with a template. Banksy makes a cut-out shape and places it on the wall. Then he sprays paint over it. When he removes the stencil from the wall, his drawing is on the wall.

Why would Banksy want to remain anonymous?

Background

What else do you need to know to about this?

• Banksy's art often addresses important themes (war, poverty, power). Because it's visible on the streets, everyone can 'read' his message.

• Banksy's art appears in places where his message matters, such as in Ukraine.

• Investigative journalists believe they have discovered, after thorough research, who the man behind this street art is.

What does this mean for?

Banksy

Now that people think they know who he is, it affects his freedom, safety, and impact. Banksy himself has not yet responded to the news.

Art World

The mystery behind the artist made the works unique. The unmasking may have implications for the value and the meaning attributed to the works.

Governments and Police

If Robin Gunningham is indeed Banksy, legal action could be taken against him. Creating graffiti is, after all, a criminal offence.

What could be a consequence?

Key Concepts

Anonymous

When someone does not disclose their name or identity

Graffiti

Drawing or painting on walls in public spaces

Unmasking

The disclosure of someone's identity that was previously hidden

Investigative Journalist

A journalist who conducts in-depth research on a subject to uncover the truth

What question do you have about this news?

News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events