Portrait of Banksy

Banksy

Anonymous street artist

Contemporary influential 92 sayings

Sayings by Banksy

I'm not a big fan of the art world. I think it's a bit snobby.

2003 — Interview with The Guardian
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

Unknown — Quote attributed to Banksy, widely circulated
Art & Creativity Confirmed

I don't know why people are so keen to put the word 'artist' next to the word 'graffiti'. I mean, you wouldn't say 'architectural builder' would you? Or 'anatomic doctor'?

2005 — Interview with Swindle magazine
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules, but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.

Unknown — Quote attributed to Banksy, widely circulated
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

I've been to art galleries a few times. I like to go in and just kind of look around and then leave. I don't really get it.

2006 — Interview with The Daily Mail
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.

2005 — Quote from his book 'Wall and Piece'
Wisdom Unverifiable

I mean, I think it's a bit of a joke that people pay so much money for art. I think it's ridiculous.

2008 — Interview with The Independent
Money & Business Unverifiable

The bad artists imitate, the great artists steal.

Unknown — Quote attributed to Banksy, widely circulated
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I'm not trying to sell anything. I'm just trying to make people think.

2007 — Interview with The New York Times
Wisdom Unverifiable

A lot of people say that I'm a vandal, but I think that I'm more of an artist.

2008 — Interview with The Times
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

The thing about street art is that it's for everyone. It's not just for rich people in galleries.

2009 — Interview with The Daily Telegraph
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I don't want to be famous. I just want to make art.

2010 — Interview with The Guardian
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

If you want to say something and have people listen then you have to wear a mask. If you want to be truthful then you have to be a liar.

2005 — Quote from his book 'Wall and Piece'
Wisdom Unverifiable

I think it's important to be anonymous. It allows me to do what I want to do.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
Wisdom Unverifiable

Art is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

Unknown — Quote attributed to Banksy, widely circulated
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I've never been to art school. I just kind of learned on the job.

2007 — Interview with The Evening Standard
Educational Unverifiable

The art world is a bit like a giant school play, where everyone is trying to outdo each other.

2009 — Interview with The Sunday Times
Educational Unverifiable

I don't think art should be in a gallery. It should be on the streets.

2005 — Interview with The Guardian
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty, you can make someone smile while they're having a piss.

2005 — Quote from his book 'Wall and Piece'
Money & Business Unverifiable

I like to make art that's accessible to everyone. Not just people who can afford to buy it.

2010 — Interview with The Telegraph
Art & Creativity Unverifiable
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