BANKSY
Banksy, the mysterious and elusive artist, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Born in Bristol's underground scene in the 1990s, he has made a name for himself with his hard-hitting stencils and powerful social messages.
His style, a blend of black humor, visual poetry and political critique, tackles universal themes such as war, freedom, consumerism and the innocence of childhood.
Emblematic works such as Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower and There Is Always Hope have become cultural icons.
Many of his frescoes, originally painted on city walls, are now preserved and highly sought-after by collectors.
In 2018, Banksy made history with the partial self-destruction of Girl with Balloon just after its sale at Sotheby's, creating Love Is in the Bin, the first work "created" live at auction - resold for over $21 million in 2021.