Banksy painting self-destructs after selling for over $1 million World-renowned British street artist Banksy pulled off one of the greatest pranks in the history of the art world. Banksy, whose real identity is unknown, is famous for his mischievous and often satirical outdoor graffiti. Seconds after one of his most iconic works sold close to $1.4 million at a London auction, the painting fell from the frame and started to self-destruct. Elizabeth Palmer reports.