British greeting card company Full Colour Black and its owner, Andrew Gallagher, have initiated a libel claim against the anonymous artist Banksy, due to an Instagram post by Banksy in November 2022. The Daily Mail attempted to unveil Banksy's identity, suggesting he's Robin Gunningham. However, there was no concrete evidence, and the artist's identity must still be confirmed. Aaron Wood, the lawyer representing the case, shared the claim, listing the defendants as "The Artist known as ‘Banksy’" and Pest Control Office Limited, responsible for authenticating Banksy's work. The legal action relates to a post that has been deleted but was allegedly defamatory towards Full Colour Black. Coinciding with the post, the European Union's Intellectual Property Office sided with Banksy in a trademark disagreement against the greeting card company. Full Colour Black demands damages amounting to £1,357,086 ($1.6 million) and an injunction against any further alleged defamation. While the Daily Mail hints that this lawsuit might compel Banksy to disclose his identity, this seems unlikely given the absence of his legal name on the court papers.
Banksy isn't the only artist to remain anonymous, utilizing pseudonyms or working anonymously. The choice of anonymity allows these artists to challenge norms, push boundaries, and engage with their audience in unique and thought-provoking ways. In some cases, it also adds to the novelty or "mystery" of the artist, which can positively impact the value of the work. In other cases, artists enjoy the freedom that anonymity affords them: the ability to live a relatively normal life out of the spotlight.
Elena Ferrante: While not a visual artist, Ferrante’s name is synonymous with the power of pseudonyms. An Italian novelist, her true identity was one of modern literature's most guarded secrets. Her Neapolitan novels delve deep into the intricacies of friendship and womanhood.
The Master of Flémalle: An unidentified painter or group of painters from the early 15th-century Southern Netherlands. The name derives from three painted panels from Flémalle, now in Frankfurt. While some attribute the works to Robert Campin, the artist's identity remains a topic of debate.
Maurizio Cattelan: The Italian artist, while not anonymous, has frequently blurred the lines between his identity and his art, making it difficult to discern where one ends and the other begins. Known for his satirical sculptures, Cattelan’s work often challenges institutional structures within the art world.
JR: A French photographer and street artist, JR remains anonymous, letting his large-scale works speak for themselves. Turning his camera to those often marginalized, JR grants them visibility and importance within urban landscapes.
The ongoing legal battle between Full Colour Black and the elusive artist, Banksy, underscores the complexities of anonymity in the modern digital age. While the lawsuit primarily hinges on alleged defamation, it has inadvertently reignited speculation about Banksy's true identity. Despite attempts to unmask him, Banksy's commitment to secrecy remains unyielding, and this case exemplifies the tension between personal privacy and public curiosity. Whether or not this legal endeavour will ultimately lead to the revelation of Banksy's identity is uncertain. Still, one thing is clear: the art world continues to be captivated by artists who forgo public fame for anonymity.