A March 2026 report on the elusive Banksy sent ripples through the art world, though not quite as dramatically as his own stunts. A detailed investigation with corroborating accounts from associates, and signed police records has pointed to a 53-year-old Bristol resident, Robin Gunningham, as the man behind the myth. While we await Banksy’s confirmation — which might never come, now is a good time to check out India’s own Banksys.
Harder, Harsher, Tougher. a piece that superimposes a young female tightrope performer on the Olympic Games logo. PICS COURTESY/GUESSWHOSTREETART
GuessWho
If Banksy was born in God’s Own Country, his works would look something like GuessWho, who works in the neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi.
Frida Kahlo In A Saree. This cross-cultural work is inspired by a dated photograph of the Mexican painter in a saree in Mexico City, 1947
The artist intersperses his takes on socio-politics with lighter works that blend world pop culture and desi iconography. Check out his takes on Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci classics.
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The American Dream, painted on a piece of plywood found on Mumbai’s streets. The hair is made of artificial fur. The piece went to auction with a starting price of Rs 1
Tyler
Mumbai-based street-artist Tyler aka the Banksy of Mumbai takes his name from Brad Pitt’s character Tyler Durden from Fight Club.
Passersby in Juhu click a selfie with a work that has now been painted over. Tyler had a run-in with the civic authorities while painting the graffiti. PICS COURTESY/@TYLERSTREETART
The street artist works swiftly and anonymously in areas like Versova, Andheri, Bandra and Goregaon. Keep an eye out for his topical takes on politics, media culture, and urban life, that have often ruffled feathers among the powers that be.
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Blow Your Own Trumpet. A trumpet bears icons of social media platforms. “Just because you blow your own trumpet, doesn’t mean people like the sound,” the artist says about the piece
Smish Designs
City-based illustrator Smish channels sharp, thought-provoking commentary into digital works tackling women’s rights, censorship and LGBTQiA+ advocacy.
A timely artwork takes a stance against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. PICS COURTESY/@SMISHDESIGNS
In 2023, the artist managed to pull off an anonymous exhibition at a Kala Ghoda gallery with sculptures and immersive installations.
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