Two art collectors are taking legal action after Banksy’s company Pest Control failed to deliver a certificate of authenticity for the ‘Monkey Queen’ artwork.
If Banksy ends up in court, it could also mean an end to speculation about the artist’s identity, The Guardian reports.
Banksy has become known as the anonymous political street artist, who likes to ridicule authority figures.
One of his works of art, which was auctioned for millions, was partially shredded by a built-in shredder seconds after the final bid, in front of a stunned audience.
The artist: Don’t believe in clear identity
But when the artist once again makes headlines in the British media, it cannot be ruled out that Banksy himself has a hand in the game. At least that’s what the art historian Jacob Kimvall, lecturer at Konstfack Stockholm, believes.
– I once had a lecture where I called what he did “media stunts”, and this feels like another “Banksy media stunt”, says Jacob Kimvall.
– I don’t think his identity will be found out, that’s not what this will lead to.
Great significance for the value of the work of art
The art collectors bought the graffiti work from an estate, which according to them was a famous Banksy collector. However, documents confirming the authenticity were missing.
Pest control was founded by Banksy after repeated problems with people counterfeiting or stealing his art from the streets.
“Monkey Queen” was submitted to Pest control, who after three years still have not been able to confirm whether it is a real Banksy work. Something that plays a big role in being able to determine the value of the work.