ZHONG CHENG

班克斯 BANKSY (b.1974)

From 1992 to 1994, Banksy started his artistic journey as a graffiti artist in his hometown Bristol. Along with his friend Kato and Tes, they founded the group “DryBreadZ Crew” he was inspired by many local artists during this period. Soon his own works became an important part of the Bristol’s art circle. His artworks have distinctive political and sarcastic social commentary undertone. His real name and identity remain anonymous, as he only works in the middle of the night. Most of his graffiti are made from stenciling techniques. In July 19th, 2002, he held his first exhibition titled “Existencilism” debuted at 331⁄3 gallery in Los Angeles. In 2003, at an exhibition called Turf War, held in London warehouse, Banksy painted on animals, but received protest from the animal rights activist. On May 2008, he held an exhibition called “The Cans Festivals” in the same year, he prepared the “Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill” in New York, where graffiti artists with stencils were invited to join in and paint their own artworks, as long as it did not cover anyone else’s. Artist from around the world were invited to exhibit their works.