Banksy shared rare footage of himself to show how he created a masterpiece
As news breaks that Banksy’s true identity could be revealed after the secretive artist was named in a court case, let’s revisit a time when the street art pioneer revealed more of himself than ever before.
OK, actually that sounds like he – or she - exposed himself to someone.
That didn’t happen, but people definitely saw more of Banksy than they ever had before, as you can see in this video:
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In fact, they got a good look at him creating one of his famous artworks.
The artist’s company was recently named in a lawsuit by wealthy entrepreneur Andrew Gallagher, who accuses Pest Control Ltd. of defamation.
He also names a 49-year-old artist called Robin Gunningham, who has long been rumoured to be Banksy.
So far, nothing has been confirmed though, and the details are to remain ‘confidential’ until the artist or company files an ‘acknowledgment of service’ of the papers.
"For this reason, I’m not at liberty to say any more about the claim," Gallagher said.
Anyway, onto the rare footage showing the artist.
It was filmed as he created his artworks along the east coast of England, which were all part of his 'Great British Spraycation'.
A number of pieces had popped up in several spots, sparking speculation that the iconic street artist was behind them.
One, which appeared at the bottom of Links Hill in North Beach, Lowestoft, depicts a rat reclining in a deckchair with a cocktail in its hand.
Another, which showed up in Katwijk Way, also in Lowestoft, is of a giant seagull painted onto the side of a property, swooping down on a skip full of oversized 'chips', which are made from pieces of insulation material.
A piece on Admiralty Road in Great Yarmouth shows three people on top of a bus shelter - two dancing together, while another plays an accordion.
The artist posted a compilation video on Instagram, writing: "A Great British Spraycation."
The footage, which featured a cover version of Tones and I hit ‘Dance Monkey’ showed how the artworks were made.
One person commented: "I think my favorite is the bus stop but the miniature at the end is awesome too!"
Another said: "The dancing couple is just so amazingly beautiful and detailed! I can't imagine anyone getting their panties in a twist over that one."
And a third wrote: "The kid with the sandcastle is so dope."
One other piece, which cropped up in Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, saw the images of three children near a boat structure by a bridge, with the tagline: "We're all in the same boat."
That was later removed because of flooding concerns, as – it was claimed – the metal ‘boat’ was blocking a drain and heavy rains had been forecast.
However, a spokesperson said it would be put back.
Speaking to the BBC, Professor Paul Gough, principal and vice chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth, said: "The team will have been scouting possible venues across East Anglian coast for some time: nothing is left to chance with Banksy's public artwork.
"Unlike your average tag, his stencils are pre-planned, prepared and perfectly positioned.
"Banksy is also adept at recycling stuff left lying around - a bicycle tyre, a pile of sand - or here at Oulton Broad, a corrugated metal sheet that doubles as a boat to convey a powerful environmental warning, as the children bail out the sinking ship."
Tom Wood