Banksy? More like bring on the chaos.


I managed to pick up this pint recently. It's titled Tesco's Finest C*ntry Soup. It's an edition of 45 pieces, signed on the front in pencil by Banksy. Or is it? The problem here is that it is clearly signed on the back by the English artist(s) STOT21stCplanB, who have done some "Not Banksy" Banksy's .... WTF does that mean? Read on ...

Banksy was an anonymous English graffiti artist known for his stencil work unil a photograph revealed his identity, although there's mystery around that, too. I'm assuming that this print is a reaction to the art world, similar to Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup cans. For North American's, Tesco is a huge commercial retail store. It first started as a cheap grocery store but has expanded into a retailer of just about everything. Are you still following me cause this is where it gets all fucking confusing. STOT21stCplanB is hard to explain. They are artists/band/performers with a punk rock attitude connected to Crass, James Cauty (KLF, The Orb), Jamie Reid (sex Pistols) et al.

This print, amongst others including canvases, claims that the signature is Not Banksy's and is FAKE. It's signed by STOT21stCplanB on the back with the phrase "We did it." It references a box of "Banksy's" (the NOT Banksy's) done by STOT21stCplanB. Banksy prints sell anywhere from the cheap $580.00 and up to $5200.00 ... and up ... and up. So is this Banksy or not? Can't say yes but ...

- Banksy claims never to sell his own work. Not in prints. Not in galleries.
- Banksy and STOT21stCplanB laugh at the fact that they can do anything in the art world and it will sell.
- It looks exactly like Banksy's signature.

So, is it Banksy? Is it ugly as shit? Is it art? Is that the whole point?
If it is anything, it's more like the lottery in which only the artists know.

Another test ...
ここにインターネット・リンクはある

http://iconart.ca