BBC unearths long-lost interview with renowned street artist Banksy, 20 years later

A previously lost interview with renowned street artist Banksy has been found after more than 20 years. In the interview, Banksy compares his artistic approach, which involves creating graffiti quickly and undercover, to microwaving meals. He explains that he aims to complete his work rapidly and move on. The full interview can be accessed on BBC Radio 4's The Banksy Story podcast. The podcast released a bonus episode after discovering the interview. The interview, conducted by former BBC arts correspondent Nigel Wrench in 2003, offers a rare opportunity for Banksy's fans to hear his voice. The interview also features Banksy defending vandalism as art, stating that it provides a quicker means of expressing one's views. He likens his artistic process to his mother's transition from cooking elaborate meals to eating microwave dishes and emphasizes his desire to finish his work swiftly. Banksy also encourages people to engage in graffiti and advises them to have fun, noting that others are free to paint over their creations. Additionally, he seemingly confirms his first name as "Robbie." Banksy gained prominence through his satirical graffiti pieces found on buildings across the United Kingdom. Despite his fame, he remains anonymous, making his true identity a mystery. In 2018, Banksy astonished the art world when his artwork, Girl With Balloon, self-destructed moments after being sold at auction in London. The painting was initially stenciled on a wall in east London and has since become one of Banksy's most recognizable works.