What if the creative canvas is a cement wall?

A few weeks ago, we wrote about famed graffiti artist Banksy’s visit to Detroit and the  artwork he created while here. After his visit, some of the work was destroyed, removed, covered up or otherwise mutilated and no longer exists in its original form.

Now, one of the pieces believed to be a Banksy original is on eBay, with an opening bid of $75,000. Previous Banksy pieces have fetched as much as $400,000, once authenticity was confirmed.

The mural depicts a yellow canary in a cage, seemingly to shadow the coal miner’s canaries of yesteryear, which men would bring with them into the mine shafts where they worked as an indication or air quality. If the bird died, it meant time for the miners to evacuate. Canaries are notoriously sensitive to methane and carbon monoxide gases, offering a cruel but purposeful measure of air quality while underground.

The fact that art is for sale is nothing new, especially in a community as eclectic as metro Detroit. Yet, in this case, here is the conundrum: Banksy created the art. His art is always intended for the “people.” Yet, in this case, his “canvas” was private property and the wall of the old Packard Plant in Detroit. Who, then, owns the artwork and, further, should they be allowed to sell it?

From a straight legal perspective, these questions would are fairly easy to answer. Whoever owns the old Packard Plant(s) where the artwork was found is the clear owner. And, to underscore that fact, they have already removed the 1800-pound, 8 foot by 4 foot section of the wall for online marketing and sale.

From an aesthetic and artistic standpoint, however, it is unfortunate as Banksy’s artistry works best in the environments in which he creates them.

If you’re interested in the auction, there have been no bids on it yet, but can be found here. Someone will buy it (we’ll just have to wait to see who), and if the new owner ultimately chooses to display it in a way that parallels the artist’s original intentions and vision.

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