Brisbane man charged with willful damage calls his graffiti 'art'

His mark is seen across the world and graces the homes of celebs, including Pink and Hugh Jackman. But to Brisbane City Council, Anthony Lister is a criminal.

The 36-year-old – dubbed “Brisbane’s Banksy” - faced Brisbane Magistrates Court today, charged with one count of wilful damage by graffiti.

The charge was brought council and related to five different sites that were painted over between 2009 and 2014.

The artist told the court he “blessed” the locations - including walls, garage doors and fire hose boxes - with his artwork.

“I love Brisbane, but I can’t comment on this case,” he told waiting reporters outside court today.

Prosecutors say it was not art but graffiti, and that he lacked proper consent.

Former Brisbane deputy mayor David Hinchliffe told the court Lister's work were part of the "beautification" of the city.

"His murals are highly prized," he told the court.

He said he arranged for the artist to paint a wall adjoining his vacant block in Fortitude Valley after the block’s owner agreed.

Permission was never sought by the wall owner.

Removal of the graffiti from five locations cost council $680, with Lister’s lawyers telling the court his client was happy to donate $5000 towards ongoing beautification projects.