The Art Of Banksy

One Nation — AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

A new piece of work in the style of graffiti artist known as Banksy is seen on a wall in London, April 15, 2008. The huge image, which would have taken some time to paint, stands several stories high and bears the slogan: "One nation under CCTV." The slogan is depicted being painted by a person on a ladder in a red hooded jacket, as a uniformed official with a barking dog films the action.

Artwork by the British artist known as Banksy is displayed in west London, Jan. 15, 2008. The stencilled design of a classically-dressed painter putting the finishing touches to the real artist's scrawled name sold for $410.83 on eBay. The successful bidder is now tasked with the challenge - and the $10,000 cost - of removing the brick canvas.

Bethlehem, 2005

In August 2005, Banksy painted nine images on the Israeli West Bank barrier, including this one.

Kissing Police

Some of Banksy's works, including this stencilled image of two policemen kissing, appear in the movie "Children of Men."

Pilton Frisk

Banksy's street art, which combines graffiti with a distinctive stencilling technique, has appeared in London and in cities around the world and is highly prized by collectors.

Pissing Guard

Most of the artist's works can be seen dotted around the grungier parts of London, where they are known to amuse, and sometimes shock, passersby.

Tourist Info

Many of Banksy's stencil works found around London are lifelike or amuse the eye. While many of his works are painted over, the future of a Banksy piece painted on a wall in Tower Hamlets, Bristol recently went to public vote, with 97 percent of people saying it should be kept.

Rat Sign

Banksy's stencil paintings are so collectible, at a Sotheby's auction in December 2007, several works fetched more than double the asking price.

Ritz Rat

Works by Banksy have grown in popularity in recent years. Fans and buyers include Christina Aguilera, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

So Little To Say

Although his work is everywhere, Banksy himself works hard at staying out of sight and keeping his identity unknown --most likely to avoid being arrested. But his views are typically reflected in his works.

Because I'm Worthless

Just one of several Banksy rats found around the streets of London. The artist likes drawing animals and has even struck at the penguin and elephant enclosures at the London and Bristol zoos. Children, the elderly and the military are also commonly seen in his drawings.

Show Me The Monet

Banksy's take on Claude Monet's classic Water Lilies. It's one of several "doctored" pieces that the artist has snuck into leading art galleries and museums around the world.

Applause

The artist's real name has never officially been revealed, but he is believed to be Robert Banks -- a 30-year-old high-school dropout from Bristol, England.

Happy Chopper

A 2006 screenprint by Banksy of a helicopter gunship with a pink bow beneath its rotors. His cartoon-like drawings usually carry a message or slogan ranging from politics, culture and ethics.