When Did Banksy Become Famous?
Banksy is one of the most enigmatic and influential street artists of all time. His politically charged, often humourous artworks have captivated audiences worldwide. But when did Banksy become famous, and what led to his rise as a cultural icon?
While Banksy started creating graffiti in the early 1990s, his real breakthrough came in the early 2000s. Through a combination of bold street art, high-profile exhibitions, and media attention, he transitioned from an underground artist to a globally recognised name.
Let’s explore the key moments in Banksy’s rise to fame.
Banksy’s Early Years: Underground Beginnings (1990s)
Banksy began his artistic career in the early 1990s in Bristol, UK, where he was part of the city’s vibrant graffiti scene. His early works were inspired by:
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The Bristol underground movement, known for its fusion of hip-hop, punk, and graffiti culture.
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Influences from graffiti legends like Blek le Rat and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
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Political themes, satire, and critiques of consumerism, war, and surveillance.
During this period, Banksy experimented with freehand graffiti but later developed his signature stencil technique, allowing for faster, more detailed street art.
The Moment Banksy Became Famous: Early 2000s
Banksy’s transition from a local graffiti artist to an internationally recognised name happened between 2002 and 2005.
1. 2002: Banksy’s First Major Exhibition – “Existencilism”
In 2002, Banksy held his first gallery exhibition, “Existencilism,” in Los Angeles. This show introduced a wider audience to his stencil-based street art and subversive themes.
2. 2003: The “Turf War” Exhibition
Banksy’s 2003 solo show, "Turf War," in East London brought major attention. The exhibition featured:
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Spray-painted animals, including a defaced police cow.
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A strong anti-establishment message, reinforcing Banksy’s political stance.
The show was controversial, attracting both media coverage and police interest—but it solidified Banksy’s reputation.
3. 2004: “Banksy’s £10 Notes” & Increased Media Attention
One of Banksy’s most famous early stunts involved creating fake £10 notes, replacing the Queen’s face with Princess Diana’s and changing “Bank of England” to “Banksy of England”. These notes were distributed at Notting Hill Carnival and Reading Festival, quickly becoming collector’s items.
This stunt grabbed headlines and introduced Banksy’s witty, rebellious style to a broader audience.
4. 2005: Banksy’s “Mona Lisa” and Global Fame
By 2005, Banksy was a household name in the art world. That year, he:
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Snuck his own artwork into major museums, including the Louvre, Tate Britain, and MoMA.
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Created one of his most famous pieces, a stencilled Mona Lisa with a rocket launcher, elevating his work to a global stage.
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Left his mark on the West Bank barrier in Palestine, gaining international political attention.
These events cemented Banksy’s reputation as a fearless, subversive artist.
Mainstream Success: The 2000s and Beyond
After 2005, Banksy’s fame skyrocketed:
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2006: His painting “Space Girl & Bird” sold for £288,000, a record-breaking price for his work at the time.
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2008: His show "Banksy vs. Bristol Museum" attracted over 300,000 visitors.
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2010: The release of his Oscar-nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop brought his art to mainstream audiences.
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2018: The infamous shredding of "Girl with Balloon" at Sotheby’s created global headlines, reinforcing his reputation for unpredictable artistic stunts.
Final Thoughts: Banksy’s Continued Impact
So, when did Banksy become famous? His rise to global recognition began in the early 2000s, but his influence has only grown over time. Through a mix of street art, social activism, and media-savvy stunts, Banksy remains one of the most sought-after and mysterious artists in the world.
His artworks—whether on walls, auction houses, or the streets—continue to challenge authority, question the status quo, and redefine contemporary art.