Jakarta – After years of speculation, the identity of the elusive street artist Banksy may have finally been revealed. A detailed investigation by Reuters, reported via *The Hollywood Reporter* on March 16, claims to have uncovered compelling evidence pointing to the artist’s true identity.
The report, titled “In Search of Banksy,” isn’t based on conjecture, but on a meticulous examination of legal documents and a physical trail spanning continents. The breakthrough came with the discovery of an classic document in the United States.
Reuters found a 2000 police record from Manhattan, New York, containing a handwritten confession signed by a man named Robin Gunningham. The confession details Gunningham being caught whereas creating graffiti on an advertising board – an incident also recounted by Banksy’s former manager, Steve Lazarides, in his book, though without naming the artist.
This finding bolsters a long-held theory from 2008 that identified Gunningham as a potential candidate. However, the 2026 investigation reveals that Banksy legally changed his identity to protect his anonymity.
According to public records, the individual believed to be Banksy now goes by the exceedingly common name of David Jones. This move is seen as a clever tactic to blend into the population, given the thousands of people with that name in the UK, making administrative tracking nearly impossible.
The investigation also traced a journey to Ukraine in late 2022, coinciding with the appearance of Banksy’s murals in war-torn areas. Immigration data shows a David Jones entered Ukraine around the same time.
He reportedly traveled with photographer Giles Duley and musician Robert Del Naja (of the group Massive Attack), both of whom have also been subjects of speculation regarding Banksy’s identity.
Banksy’s longtime lawyer, Mark Stephens, responded to the report with reservations. While not explicitly confirming or denying the names, Stephens urged against the publication of the investigation’s findings.
“Working anonymously is vital to social interest. It protects freedom of expression and allows creators to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal or persecution,” Stephens stated. He also warned that revealing the artist’s identity could endanger his safety and diminish the artistic value of his work.
For many in the art world, the Reuters findings represent the most concrete evidence yet linking Robin Gunningham, “David Jones,” and Banksy. Banksy’s work, often appearing unexpectedly in public spaces, has consistently sparked conversation about art, politics and social commentary.
However, for his fans, Banksy may forever remain a symbol of anonymous resistance, regardless of the name on his passport.
(ass/nu2)
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