Banksy the enigma still shrouded in mystery

It's difficult to know what to focus on with Banksy. The striking street art that continues to offer piercing commentary on establishmentarianism from brick walls around the country? Or the fact that his work recently sold at Sotheby's for £102,000, is owned by Damien Hirst and Angelina Jolie and now shows at the commercial Andipa Gallery?

Here the well-known (helicopter gunships, rude coppers and Bomb Hugger) hang alongside the less-famous (a granny knitting a 'Punk Not Dead' jumper) and Banksy's graphic talent, his trademark juxtaposition of force and fairy tale, remains compelling.

But it's odd seeing his now-iconic protester hurling flowers across the walls of this tiny South Ken institution for £60k. Our anti-establishment heroes should stay anti-establishment - and here we are, on the well-heeled doorstep of the very ethos Banksy appears to despise.

Banksy's studied silence simultaneously exempts him from difficult debate and creates a mystique that works wonders for him, both as icon and brand. One thing that can be said of this pristine little show: he's not, geographically at least, preaching to the converted. And, if his first intention is to get us to ask questions, Banksy has succeeded again.

Until Mar 24, Andipa Gallery, 162 Walton Street SW3, Mon to Fri 9.30am to 6pm, Sat 11am to 6pm, free. Tel: 020 7589 2371. www.andipamodern.com Tube: South Kensington

Banksy
Andipa Gallery
Walton Street, SW3 2JL