Der Fall „Monkey Queen“ könnte die Identität enthüllen, die Banksy seit Jahren verheimlicht

Banksy, one of the world’s most famous street artists, managed to keep his identity secret for years, but his real name could be revealed to the public due to the court case initiated because of his work depicting Queen Elizabeth II as a primate. Two art collectors stated they had decided to sue Banksy’s company Pest Control because it had not verified the authenticity of the work called „Monkey Queen.“ Nicky Katz and Ray Howse said they had been trying to get an answer for three years and mentioned that they had run out of patience and that Pest Control had violated the contract. Banksy’s works, who calls himself a „quality vandal,“ fetch high prices at auctions. In 2021, his self-destructive artwork titled „Love is in the Garbage“ was sold for £18.5 million. The authenticity of Banksy’s works, many of which have counterfeit copies, must be somehow proven to be sold at these prices. Banksy’s true identity has been discussed in the media and the public for years. Many individuals have been referred to as Banksy over the years, from Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack to Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz. Katz and Howse said they had won „The Monkey Queen“ for £30,000 at an auction where the belongings of a deceased person were sold in 2020, but they were not given any documents confirming that it was an original. There are 150 prints of „The Monkey Queen“ worldwide. Katz and Howse said they wanted to know if what they had was one of them. „The Monkey Queen“ can be sold for £55,000 to £70,000 if its authenticity is proven.