Banksy’s anonymity is what gives – gave? – his art its power
A known Banksy may produce the same work, but it would be fundamentally different and less unique than other products on the market
Add BT as a preferred source
THE revelation that the artist Banksy is a 50-something man from Bristol, England, named Robin Gunningham, according to a Reuters report, has shaken the art world. It may be the ultimate test of what actually determines value in contemporary art.
Art insiders are speculating that the news will increase the value of Banksy’s work. That line of thinking tracks with the fact that markets hate uncertainty, and now there is more clarity.
But Banksy’s art is not like a stock option or any other commodity; greater transparency and predictability will not increase its value. Odds are, the prices of his existing work will fall.
TRENDING NOW
Qatari LNG ship struck in Strait of Hormuz, testing US talks
DBS, OCBC and UOB shares hit all-time highs as sentiment improves
‘Baptism of fire’: Andre Khor on leading Singapore refiner Aster through an energy crisis
Singapore retains top spot as most expensive city for HNWIs, with five Apac cities in global top 10
