Banksy’s anonymity is what gives – gave? – his art its power

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.