 is an anonymous British graffiti artist, film director, and political activist. In 

, his name was on the list of the 100 most influential individuals on the planet. He is famous for his satirical and anti-authoritarian street art, even though he dabbles in many other forms of expression. For example, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," a film Banksy wrote, directed, and produced, was nominated for an Academy Award in 2011. It was based on the lives and of a handful of skilled graffiti artists based in Los Angeles. 

In the film, Banksy plays a character, but his anonymity is kept. There are many theories on who Banksy could be, but the most prominent one is that it could be Robin Gunnigham. Robin was born in 1974 in Bristol, England. 

 that Blek le Rat inspired Banksy. He began his graffiti career by joining Bristol's graffiti crew DBZ or DryBreadZ. At the age of 18, he was nearly caught by police. His crew members escaped while he hid in a trashcan. At that moment, he realized stenciling is faster, and hence it became his new graffiti art style. He moved from Bristol to London in the early 2000s when his international work was taking off. 

Later on, Banksy traveled to Palestine and the West Bank. He stenciled nine enigmatic images, including "love is in the air" on the newly erected West Bank Wall. His stencil paintings and silk-screen prints broke sale records in auctions such as Sotheby's or Bonhams in London during this period. It marked the thrilling and mind-blogging entry of Banksy into the art world.

 of discussion. Many critics argue that Banksy's art vandalized the streets. However, he has undoubtedly inspired the masses. His art reveals the bitter realities and profound truths of human society. His graffiti art has educational and influential characteristics. On the contrary, some critics call him an "attention seeker" who has caused damage to public property through his street art, but there are always two sides to a story.

He may be considered a rebel against the establishment, but he has undoubtedly created global debates and thought-provoking pieces through his art. He demonstrated how law enforcement agencies are more concerned about cleaning the walls than addressing real-life issues. Banksy’s words, "what we do in life echoes in eternity," hold a strong message. He took risks and explored his creativity. He addressed political and other life issues through his creative art without hurting anyone. Many of his paintings have children to deliver messages about our society. 

These artworks were not just prime stencils; they’ve had the power of making a difference in people's perspectives about life and social issues. Even though many people dislike him or his ways of operating, his artworks are tremendously impactful. 

," an organization that authenticates his actual artworks to not get mixed up with copycats. In late 2018, one of his most famous murals, "Girl with Balloon," was sold at an auction for $1.4 million. In 2019, the oil canvas painting "Devolved Parliament" was sold for $12.1 million. "Show me the Monet" sold for about $10 million in 2020. Banksy's “Game Changer” reached the price of £16,758,000 and became his most expensive artwork ever.

These astronomical prices can be confusing, and a large audience disapproves of how modern art is valued. They think of it as a sham that holds no natural talent, effort, or beauty. Regardless of such viewpoints, art in any form has always been innovative and controversial. 

Could money laundering be one of the reasons for these high prices?

 are the reasons behind these high prices. Artworks linked to money laundering have been a prominent topic for the last few decades. Due to high and subjective prices, art is considered to be an ideal vehicle for laundering money. In 2010 Mexico's government passed a law that demanded information regarding the buyers and the capital spent on art pieces. As a result, the local art market collapsed, and the sales crashed down by 70% in just one year. 

 in the art world? Let's say a person spends $20 million on buying an artwork from a famous artist in an auction. That painting is then transported to a “freeport”, a secure facility where art is stored offshore with discretion. This painting can then be sold to another party, for any price, who collects it from the freeport. At that point, the original buyer (who just became a seller) has made money through a legal deal. In 2013, it was estimated that the Geneva Freeport might hold U.S artwork worth $100 billion. There are numerous money laundering cases. 

Many countries impose anti-money laundering regulations on the art world. Even so, this issue persists and can't be abolished overnight.

What makes art expensive and impressive? Is Banksy an artist, rebel, or both? Should governments ban street art promotions?

How Banksy became famous - or why he should never reveal himself

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