Just like the made up story that no no knows who Banksy is keep his prices sky high?

I've always had time for Mike but his long running association with James Golding after events at Leonard Street will continue to force me distance myself from any venture they are jointly involved in.

I've made my feelings on this clear in a post on the Telegraph article, although I had to resist my natural instincts to really vent.




Thanks @wiz …

I wish I could say it was a cathartic process, but it still makes my blood boil.

Of course some people know who Banksy is... However to be honest, whether he was outed or remained in the shadows his art would still be worth significant money.

You my friend are way too forgiving here, and quite frankly the reason con men like this are able to continue to make money.  Pucker up buttercup I am sure plenty of people out there are willing to take advantage of you...

Lastly, I was simply correcting your use of a word.  Pseudonym is a made up name or alias.  It is not a completely made up person or persons complete with backstory.

But people do know who Banksy is and there is no hiding his reasons etc. likewise he worked his way up as an artist on the street etc before things happened to his prices etc.

this on the other hand is basically fraud. I would pretty much bet that they are outing themselves with all this sad story stuff to offset the fact that someone was in the process of exposing it all as a bit of a con. So I would imagine that's what's gone on...likewise all the bits about we called the galleries to tell them it's us and they did not mind...on the contrary I bet they were well pissed off at the con  etc etc

most people do like their artists to be artists as opposed to conmen me thinks the game is up and people will be offloading as we speak....eg is it now just worthless...be interesting to see

Absolute complete and utter tosh.  How you can even compare their actions to the likes of Banksy is beyond ridiculous.  Even writers that use pseudonyms have a successful body of work behind them and often use one to see if their work is still received in a positive way, not to con anyone.  And as for the "plenty of people that know who Banksy is" they perhaps keep quiet out of respect and has nothing at all to do with the value of the artworks that Banksy has been producing and selling for around 15+ years! 

Not even in the same stratosphere

I own a painting by these guys and I haven't decided yet what to think of this.

The part about a guy that painted the pieces doesn't upset me at all. Jeff Koons haven't touched any of his paintings for years. Damien Hirst says in his interviews that he made horrible spot paintings, but he have an assistant that makes the best. The debate here is whether the one with the idea or the one that paints is the artist? I think the one with the ideas is the artist. Look at Mr. Brainwash, yeah I know, not a good example for most of you, but he's the definition of an idea man, but still an artist.

When I was a part of Galleri GEO we exhibited some paintings by Matt Jones. He made a fictional story about a space archeologist who got inspiration from the ruins of a post apocalyptic earth. Matt Jones was the artist, but he created a story about how they were made by someone else and what inspired them. Something similar has been done here, only difference is that they wasn't honest with their galleries and fans from the start. That's the part I don't know what to think of.

I'm left with a canvas that I still think is great. The artist isn't the one I thought they were, but does it really matter? I see that a lot of people on here have had some bad experiences with these guys and that worries me, will they continue to do this when they have made their money? If they keep it up and continue to make works as The Connor Brothers I think I will be happy.

Now their art has found a fan base through lies they suddenly want to come clean and take in the fame and wealth with a good old sob story. Obviously they couldn't hold it anymore before people found out and that's why we get the story.

erm money, right?

Do I win a fiver?

Are you mad, they don't give two shits about the art other than it makes them a quick buck, they'll be bored of it soon, just like their 'galleries' which either went bankrupt or they sold off when they saw it wasn't working, you'll be left with a worthless piece, which if you like isn't a problem, but personally I like to support and artist and follow them, see them grow along with their work.

If I bought a piece from an artist and was later told it was by two guys who run galleries and the back story was a total lie, I'd want my money back!

Like Waltons Fine Carpets and their attempt at artist creation. Only for the Jonas Brothers, it worked. Briefly. Maybe still does.

Anyone seen the movie CATFISH?  If you haven't its well worth a look. 
Its quite disturbing.

Worse yet fellow gallerists are still thick as thieves with these two.Despite ripping them to shreds verbally (depending on the audience)

Such a nasty bag of self-interest

I know the said gallerist sh!t himself when the sh!t hit the fan and he off-loading a certain artist because he got frightened after being offered a walk up a dark alley.

Dirty bastids all in it together..London-centric freaks

Knowing the art world they will probably go up in price next week!!