Lawsuit against Banksy-does the legendary street artist have to reveal his identity now?

A legal battle could finally force mystery artist Banksy "refuses" to confirm the authenticity of one of his famous paintings.

His identity has long been the subject of speculation and investigation, but Banksy could be forced to reveal his real name if a dispute over a print of the late Queen Elizabeth , depicted as a jewel-encrusted primate, ends up in court.

What is the lawsuit about?

Art collectors Nicky Katz and Ray Howse Pest Control company because it refuses to confirm "Monkey Queen"

Pest Control's website emphasizes that a certificate of authenticity is like a TÜV (German vehicle inspection agency) for the art world, securing the value of a work of art. Banksy describes himself as a "quality vandal," and his works fetch high prices.

A certificate of authenticity is crucial for achieving the highest price when selling his works. Pest Control plays a significant role in the market for Banksy's work, according to a report in The Guardian .

Banksy's identity – an eternal mystery

Banksy's true identity has long remained a mysterious puzzle, captivating the media and the public. Various suspects, such as Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz, and Neil Buchanan, have been mentioned, but none have been definitively identified as him.

Even when the Daily Mail his identity as Robin Gunningham , Banksy vehemently denied it. An interview from 2003 is the only known in which he revealed his first name – Robbie . But the search for his true identity could shatter the mystery surrounding him, thereby destroying his popularity and impacting the value of his art.

Katz and Howse tried in vain to find out from Pest Control whether a print titled “Monkey Queen” could be attributed to a limited edition by Banksy.

Collector Katz is outraged that the Banksy artwork "Monkey Queen," which he acquired for £30,000, was not properly authenticated. He owns an extensive collection of Banksy works and estimates the artwork's value at £55,000 to £70,000.

After three years of waiting without a clear response from Pest Control, he plans to take legal action against the company for breach of contract. Katz is demanding the necessary documentation to validate the plant and is complaining about Pest Control's inadequate service.

Validation without a certificate is difficult

Art dealer John Brandler also expressed his disappointment with Banksy, as he makes it difficult to validate his works without a certificate. This significantly impacts the value of the artworks. In contrast, one would simply consult an expert for a painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Banksy only certifies works for select individuals, which is seen as market manipulation.

Authenticating Banksy's artwork is therefore complicated and questionable compared to other artists. Brandler emphasizes the importance of simpler validation of artworks without restrictions imposed by the artist himself.

Is Banky's star already on the decline?

Brandler noted, however, that Banksy's prices "significantly lower than they were three years ago ." He highlighted the police car depicting a vehicle lifted on bricks:

Two to three years ago it would have fetched between 1.5 and 2 million pounds. It was sold in Paris about a month ago for 300,000 euros

Pest Control responded to the accusations:

Our authentication process is robust, thorough, and sometimes lengthy. We have issued many thousands of certificates of authenticity

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de