Predictably, Art Attack host Neil Buchanan has shut down the conspiracy theory that he is the identity of Banksy. Now it’s his word against the world’s.
Yesterday we reported that there was a conspiracy theory going around that Art Attack‘s Neil Buchanan was, in fact, the real identity of Banksy – which, if you think about it, makes perfect sense.
Now Buchanan has gone public and flat out denied it, but no one, myself included, seems especially convinced.
Of course, the idea that the elusive, hooded street figure responsible for the subversive, sociopolitical works sprayed across the globe could also have a wholesome day job as the host of a jolly television show that teaches children how to make art is exactly the kind of news everyone is craving.
Apparently Buchanan was made well aware of the identity theory as the front page of his website now contains a post with a big red heading: Neil Buchanan is NOT Banksy.
“We have been inundated with enquiries over the weekend regarding the current social media story,” the statement reads. “Unfortunately this website does not have the infrastructure to answer all these enquiries individually, however we can confirm that there is no truth in the rumour whatsoever.”
“Neil spent Lockdown with vulnerable members of his family and is now preparing to launch his new art collection in 2021,” it continues. “Thank you and please stay safe.”
However, people seem decidedly unconvinced about Buchanan’s denial of his identity:
Neil Buchanan saying he’s not Banksy seems an awful lot like something Banksy would say
— Dan Williams (@WanDilliams) September 7, 2020
[whispering to date while watching Art Attack when Neil Buchanan first appears on the screen] That’s Banksy
— eethom bokum (@ColdmanHot) September 7, 2020
sorry but neil buchanan having to deny being banksy has made my week and it’s monday
— keeg (@keegdm) September 7, 2020
relying heavily on the “Neil Buchanan from Art Attack is Banksy” conspiracy theory to get me through the rest of the year
— Eleanor Margolis (@EleanorMargolis) September 7, 2020
UPDATED 2020 CALENDAR:
January: Coronavirus
February: Coronavirus
March: Coronavirus
April: Coronavirus
May: Coronavirus
June: Coronavirus
July: Everything is cake
August: Coronavirus
September: Neil Buchanan isn’t Banksy— Pundamentalism (@Pundamentalism) September 7, 2020
Except for this guy, who I tend to disagree with seeing as cardboard tubes from old toilet rolls and different coloured ping pong balls is probably exactly how Banksy avoids being caught.
Neil Buchanan is NOT Banksy. Could Banksy use cardboard tubes from old toilet rolls and different coloured ping pong balls to make a trap so you could tell if anybody had been in your room while you’d been out? I think we know the answer to that. It’s ‘no’. #neilbuchanan
— John Bradley (@johnbradleywest) September 7, 2020
Let’s be real, there’s no denying the identity of Banksy anymore. Give the people what they want, Neil.
