A plaque discovered on a bench situated in Bristol – which was attributed to Banksy – has come under contention from a London artist who says his artwork has been infringed upon. The viral plaque, marking a deceased “adulterer” who died in 2023, was thought to be attributed to the anonymous artist, but is now claimed to be the work of The Misfortuneteller. The artist has cited a nearly identical plaque that he created in March 2020, explaining how he was inspired by designs seen on benches in New York’s Central Park, thus inspiring him to mock up images featuring less heartfelt inscriptions and more truthful – or sarcastic – messages, which became popular on social media. The plaque in question was almost identical to his 2020 design, with only the name of the deceased adulterer changed, from John to Roger.
The Misfortuneteller admitted that no one bought his design commemorating the dead adulterer, however, it did go viral, with some sharing it without giving credit. He didn’t name the person who took and reproduced his design, claiming that his message was a reflection of how intellectual property can prove so difficult to enforce in these times. His frustration was evident when discussing the other plaques across the UK which are fake, such as the Victorian time traveller plaque installed at a London English Heritage site in 2012, or the four memorial plaques which appeared in various parks, becoming popular on social media.
There is no indication that the unnamed person who put up the Bristol plaque was seeking profits, and the work has been a source of irritation to the Misfortuneteller, however, he also expressed pleasure that people were amused by his work. The controversy surrounding the disputed plaque has sparked speculation that it may belong to Banksy, adding fuel to recent rumours that a mural the anonymous artist painted in London is his work. Painted overnight, the piece features green paint behind a block of mature trees, creating a foliage-like effect, as well as featuring a stencil of someone holding a pressure hose next to it. Whilst confirmation of the mural’s creator comes from Banksy’s Instagram account, the site was the target of vandalism only three days after the artist confirmed that it was his work
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