Fake Banksy-Like Street Art Appears in Glasgow Amidst Official Exhibition
Fake Banksy-Like Street Art Appears in Glasgow Amidst Official Exhibition
- Fake Banksy-like street art emerges in Glasgow following official exhibition.
- Suspected artworks turn out to be imitations, confirmed by Banksy’s studio.
- Glasgow City Council advises visiting official Banksy exhibition for authentic works.
n a surprising turn of events, new street artworks that emerged overnight in Glasgow, suspected by some to be the work of the elusive artist Banksy, have been revealed to be fakes. The stenciled pieces, featuring rats, a recurring theme in Banksy's art, were initially thought to be his creations. However, Banksy's studio has confirmed to the BBC that these paintings are imitations.
One of the pieces depicts a rat playing a broken marching drum, adorned with the words “God save the king,” while wearing a hat with the colors of the Union Jack. The rat’s tail is ensnared in a trap with a copy of The Sun, a British tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch. The artwork was spotted on Wednesday but was partially painted over by Thursday, according to reports.
Interestingly, these fake artworks appeared shortly after an official exhibition of Banksy’s work opened in Glasgow. Despite the timing, Glasgow City Council has stated that the street pieces are indeed imitations. A council spokesperson advised art enthusiasts seeking genuine Banksy works to visit the exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
Titled “Cut and Run,” the exhibition marks Banksy’s first official show in 14 years and will run in Glasgow until August 28. It features a replica of the artist’s studio and showcases artworks spanning from 1998 to the present. The exhibition provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the practice and thoughts of one of the world’s most renowned street artists, presenting previously unseen artworks, artifacts, personal items, and even his infamous toilet, as Richard Whiddington reported in Artnet News.
Authentic Banksy works have often caused significant complications. Recently, a British couple had to pay nearly $250,000 to remove an official Banksy artwork from their property, partly due to the town council’s requirement to maintain it as a tourist attraction, incurring an annual cost of around $49,000.
The appearance of these fake Banksy-like street artworks has added a twist to the ongoing fascination surrounding the mysterious artist and the genuine value and impact of his works.
