Banksy in the sights of the judiciary: Street artist could face exposure and prison
A graffiti in the heart of London could be the biggest turning point in the career of street artist Banksy. The British-born artist, whose identity has been kept strictly secret for over 30 years, is now under legal scrutiny after his latest spray-painting. If prosecuted, he could face not only a hefty fine but also the loss of his anonymity.
On Monday, a new work appeared on the facade of the Queen's Building, part of London's Justice Center. It depicts a judge standing menacingly over a protester with his gavel raised. Banksy confirmed the authorship with a photo on Instagram and the brief location information "Royal Courts of Justice."
The police responded immediately and launched an investigation for "criminal damage." The fact that the building is a listed monument is particularly serious. If the damage caused exceeds £5,000 (approximately €5,800), the artist faces a prison sentence of up to ten years under British law.
Even more explosive for Banksy than the trial itself is the prospect of his possible exposure. If he is actually charged, he would have to appear in court and thus reveal his true identity. This would not only mean a prison sentence, but also the end of a myth that contributed significantly to Banksy's fame: the perfect camouflage of the art world's most famous unknown.
Although Banksy didn't make any specific reference, activists see the mural as a reference to the British government's ban on the group "Palestine Action." Nearly 900 people were arrested during a protest last weekend.
Berliner-zeitung
