Today's Evil Beet Gossip

Banksy responds to bootleg art show in Moscow

The anonymous street artist Banksy is irked over an unauthorized exhibition currently on view in Russia. On Wednesday afternoon, Banksy’s official Instagram page included a screen-grab of an online chat in which he denied any affiliation with or endorsement of a current exhibition dedicated to him in Moscow.

In the exchange, the elusive street artist appears to be learning—for the first time—about the show, which opened June 2 at Moscow’s Central House of Artist Museum. In response to a picture of the museum facade plastered with his name, the artist asks his unnamed interlocutor, “You’re funny. What the hell is that?”

Upon being told it’s a ticketed exhibition in Moscow, he replies, “You know it’s got nothing to do with me right? I don’t charge people to see my art unless there’s a fairground wheel.”

Tickets to the show are about $10 for weekend admission, or about $20 for a VIP tour.

When Banksy’s correspondent implores the artist to put out a press release expressing his displeasure, he replies with appropriate irony: “Hmm—not sure I’m the best person to complain about people putting up pictures without getting permission.” Instead, it seems, he just chooses to post the text exchange as a dig at the Russian “Banksy” show.

 

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