"Steal Guess Clothes": Why Street Artist Banksy Is Angry

Controversy Over Unauthorized Use of Banksy Artwork at Guess Store on Regent Street, London
Banksy Criticizes "Unauthorized Use of Artworks Is No Different from Theft"

On the 18th (local time), employees of the 'Guess' store on Regent Street in London, UK, are covering Banksy's artwork, which caused controversy due to unauthorized use. Photo by Reuters

[Asia Economy Reporter Sumi Hwang] The "faceless street artist" Banksy has taken direct aim at the American fashion brand GUESS. This follows the revelation that some GUESS stores used his artwork without permission.

Recently, Banksy posted a photo on his social media account showing a GUESS store on Regent Street in London, UK. In the photo, Banksy's artwork known as "Rage, the Flower Thrower" was prominently displayed inside the store.

According to Bloomberg, GUESS had previously announced a collaboration with Brandalised to launch a 2022 F/W collection inspired by Banksy's works. Brandalised also stated on its official website, "We have systematically protected the rights of the world's most famous graffiti for the past 13 years." However, it did not disclose whether it had obtained a license from Banksy.

In response, Banksy expressed his anger. He criticized the unauthorized use of his artwork by the store as equivalent to theft. He posted a message saying, "(Thieves) go there and steal the same clothes." He also questioned whether it would be wrong for him to act the same way toward the clothes sold by GUESS that used his artwork without permission. It is reported that after Banksy's post, the store covered its windows to prevent people from seeing inside.

Banksy, who operates anonymously, is famous for leaving message-laden artworks on streets around the world. Recently, he attracted attention by posting on social media, implying that he painted murals on the streets of Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.

The location presumed to be where he appeared is Borodianka, a city northwest of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. This city, occupied by Russia from the early days of the war, returned to Ukrainian control only in April. Banksy painted a gymnast balancing on her hands atop the rubble of a building destroyed by bombing during the Russian occupation. By drawing comfort for Ukraine amid the ruins, he conveyed an anti-war message. Additionally, two other murals believed to be Banksy's works were found in other areas. Each mural depicted scenes such as an adult resembling Russian President Vladimir Putin being thrown down by a young boy practicing judo, and a rhythmic gymnast holding a ribbon.