[LINK] On the consequences of the identification of Banksy

[rfmcdonald]

Bloomberg's Polly Mosendz reports on the likely identification of the artist known anoymously as Banksy for the value of Banksy's work.

An ominous phalanx of helicopters is bristling with weapons, the lead chopper looming—and wearing a pink bow.

Auctioneers expect this little graffito, stenciled on a construction site in central London, to bring as much as $180,000 at a sale next month hosted by Julien’s in Los Angeles. It's by Banksy, whose work is poised to fetch even higher prices now that a scientific study is out supporting a theory of the anonymous street artist's identity.

Active since the 1990's, Banksy has never revealed himself or herself despite widespread speculation centering on Robin Gunningham, described by a British tabloid as a middle-aged man living in or near London.

“It turns out Robin Gunningham is a very good fit,” said Kim Rossmo, a professor of criminology at Texas State University who worked on the study, published March 3 in the Journal of Spatial Science. “Does that prove he’s Banksy? No, not at all. But if it was a criminal investigation, we would say, ‘Go talk to this guy first.’”

Regardless, the publicity could jack up the value of Banksy's work.

“I think when he’s found out, and if this really is him, his prices will not only be solid, but they will go higher,” said Darren Julien, founder of Julien’s Auctions, which has sold over 50 of Banksy’s works. Julien said Banksy prices could rise 20 to 40 percent this year.