Portrait of Banksy

Banksy

Anonymous street artist

Contemporary influential 125 sayings

Sayings by Banksy

All artists are willing to suffer for their art. But why are so few prepared to learn to draw?

2005 — Wall and Piece
General Unverifiable

I'd like to make a film that's so bad it's good. But I don't know how to make a film that's just bad.

2010 — Interview about 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

You don't need a license to create street art. You just need a wall.

2005 — Wall and Piece
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I've never been to art school. I just draw on walls.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
General Unverifiable

The art world is the biggest joke of all. It's a bunch of rich people buying art from each other.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
Work & Money Unverifiable

The greatest weapon in the world is a good sense of humor.

2005 — Wall and Piece
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I don't think art should be in museums. I think it should be on the streets.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I'm not a revolutionary. I'm just a guy who paints on walls.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
General Unverifiable

I've always been a bit of an outsider. I don't really fit in anywhere.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The art world is a playground for the rich. And I'm just trying to mess it up a bit.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
Work & Money Unverifiable

The natural order of things is for artists to be poor. It's only when they get famous that they get rich.

2005 — Wall and Piece
Work & Money Unverifiable

I'm not trying to change the world. I'm just trying to make it a little more interesting.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
General Unverifiable

The world is a stage. And I'm just trying to paint some scenery.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
General Unverifiable

I paint what I want to paint. And if people don't like it, they can paint over it.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
General Unverifiable

The greatest art is the art that makes you think. And if it makes you laugh, even better.

2005 — Wall and Piece
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The world is full of people who want to tell you what to do. But I'm not one of them.

2005 — Wall and Piece
General Unverifiable

I don't believe in rules. I believe in breaking them.

2008 — Interview with The Guardian
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The best way to get arrested is to do something illegal. But the best way to get noticed is to do something outrageous.

2005 — Wall and Piece
General Unverifiable

I'm not trying to make a statement. I'm just trying to make a mess.

2013 — Interview with The Village Voice
General Unverifiable

I don't think art should be expensive. I think it should be free.

2005 — Wall and Piece
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable
Your Cart

Your cart is empty