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Banksy to be revealed

His identity could be yours (for the right price)

Banksy to be revealed
Danielle de Wolfe
18 January 2011

An enduring myth of the 21st century (along with why you never see baby pigeons) is the identity of maverick street artist Banksy.

The provocative Bristolian has been behind some of the most iconic and profitable pieces of art in the past ten years. Openly sticking his mysterious finger up at the system, his work has popped up in surprising public places.

For years, his identity has been secret. But this month an American seller is offering up the much-debated piece of information to the highest bidder on eBay. The American jaybuysthings claims to have matched up the prices of his sold pieces to corresponding tax records.

The bid is currently up to one dollar short of a million bucks. All for a piece of paper.

This morning Banksy was revealed as a nominee at this year's Baftas for his directorial debut Exit Through The Gift Shop, although we expect he won't be turning up to the ceremony itself. It's reported that even his parents don't know what he really does, believing him to be a painter and decorator.

All will be revealed...very soon.

To watch Banksy's subversive intro to The Simpsons click here.

(Images: Rex Features)