Banksy: Art authentication and symbolic commentary

The Pest Control Office, established in 2008 and owned by the artist Banksy, serves as the sole official body authorized to authenticate his artworks. To protect the integrity of his work and combat the rising market of forgeries, the office issues Certificates of Authenticity (COA) for paintings, prints, and sculptures. Without a COA from Pest Control, a piece cannot be officially recognized as a legitimate Banksy.

Beyond authentication, Banksy’s artistic interventions continue to provoke social and political reflection. Recent works, such as a new statue attributed to the artist, use symbolism to critique power, nationalism, and intellectual blindness. The use of imagery like a flag acting as a blindfold serves as a metaphor for societies that accept dogma and prefabricated discourses without critical questioning.