George Georgiou, a 69-year-old builder from London, has become an unexpected victim of heightened attention from journalists and art enthusiasts after being mistakenly identified as the famous street artist Banksy. The confusion arose from Georgiou’s physical resemblance to the individual depicted in the only publicly available photograph believed to be of Banksy, published back in 2008.
This is reported by Finway
Confusion Surrounding Banksy’s Identity
In March 2024, Georgiou was photographed while installing acrylic glass around one of Banksy’s murals on Hornsey Road in North London. This building is rented by his sons, Alex and Anthony Georgiou. Since then, George’s face has gone viral online, and many media outlets have begun using his photos, speculating that he might be the famous street artist. This speculation intensified following a Reuters investigation that suggested Banksy’s real name is Robin Gunningham, and that he later changed his name to David Jones.
Georgiou has been forced to regularly deny the rumors and emphasizes that he has no connection to Banksy’s work. He is even considering a lawsuit to stop the spread of false information. George himself notes that the attention to his persona has become bothersome: he constantly receives calls from strangers, and his work has been complicated by the persistent presence of reporters.
“I am not Banksy… It’s really annoying, it’s ridiculous, and it’s distressing. It was funny on the first day. Now the joke has worn thin,” said George Georgiou, explaining how he ended up by Banksy’s mural.
He also jokes that he cannot paint and even prefers to hire others for painting jobs. As an alibi, Georgiou showcases his other photographs, which confirm that he cannot be the famous artist.
The Mystery of Banksy: New Details and Investigative Theories
Banksy is a British street artist known for his stencil graffiti, often with social or political undertones. His identity has remained a mystery since the 1990s, despite numerous attempts to uncover it. Over the years, theories have emerged suggesting that Robin Gunningham from Bristol may be hiding behind the pseudonym, and recently Reuters reported that the artist changed his name to David Jones — one of the most common names in the UK, allowing him to remain incognito.
It is known that Banksy was born in the 1970s and gained popularity in Bristol due to his recognizable artwork. Some investigators believe that he currently lives in the countryside in the west of England, leading a normal life, has a family, and engages in everyday activities. Over the years, his works have sold for millions of pounds, and the artist himself has become an icon of contemporary art.
Recently, graffiti likely created by Banksy appeared in Lviv, but there is currently no confirmation of authorship.