Attribution - An Ongoing Challenge

Banksy art in Brick Lane, East End, 2004“Attribution” refers to the assignment of a work of art to a particular artist and/or period. The process of attribution presents numerous challenges. Many of the great masters didn’t sign their works. In such cases, art historians rely on documents such as contracts or correspondence to confirm authorship. When no written support exists, a work may be attributed to an artist based on stylistic similarities with other works. But such methods are not always reliable--particularly when considering that many talented imitators and--worst case--forgerers have been active, throughout time. The development of more sophisticated technologies has helped art historian to more accurately attribute and date works of art. However, the problem of attribution continues to exist--and has now even found its way to street art--which is often unsigned, due to its illegality. One of the most famous street artists works under the pseudonym of Bansky. Based in England--Bansky’s work is known worldwide for its satire, dark humor, political bite and distinctive syle. But now Bansky’s murals are turning out out “to be an attribution mindfield.” Read a fascinating article by Anny Shaw to find out why.