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Banksy’s Real Identity Auctioned on eBay for a Million Dollars

UK-based street artist Banksy’s work is currently seen around the planet. There are few in the art world who don’t know his signature style. Crucially, though, no one is sure just who he is. There have been many claims to know his true identity but none have ever been definitive to date. One of the most interesting theories came from Sound On Sight’s very own Ricky D, revealing who he believed Banksy really is. You can hear his theory on Episode 250 of Sound On Sight Radio, but be warned it will completely change your view on Exit Through the Gift Shop.

According to Cinematical, an eBay seller is claiming to have uncovered the UK street artist, Banksy’s identity and is auctioning it off for an insane amount of money. The original bid started at $3,000 but has since mounted to an astonishing $1, 000 000, in exchange for legal documents, which would reveal who Banksy really is. The seller jaybuysthings writes in his auction listing (which has already been removed twice), “I have uncovered [Banksy’s] identity by matching up the prices of his sold pieces to corresponding tax records. I will reveal no more details … I give you 100% assurance that it is most certainly the full name of the street artist known as ‘Banksy.”

The party offering Banksy‘s identity doesn’t really have a “Top-rated seller” status, but does have a fairly sparse but mostly positive record that dates back to 2001. There is no way to know (at least not yet) if the winning bidder is being scammed nor if the seller actually has legitimate documentation that can provide an true glimpse into the identity of the artist/activist. According to mashable.com, “Banksy’s website indicates that he doesn’t maintain representation with all the commercial/gallery affiliates selling his work, which leaves a big question mark hanging over the supposed tax records.” The auction is set to close Wednesday evening

Considering so many people have claimed to know the true identity of the man throughout the years, and yet nothing has ever been confirmed, it is hard to believe anyone would take this eBay seller seriously. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Banksy himself who’s behind the auction. Personally I never want to know who Banksy really is. Not knowing is part of the appeal. There’s no fun once the mystery is solved, so I say let it be.

The British graffiti artist and political activist was invited to direct the opening sequence of one of The Simpsons episodes. The result (which you can see below) is one of the best, but at the same time the most depressing intros to the popular cartoon series we’ve seen.

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