One of the art world’s great mysteries was solved recently when it was revealed that the unknown street artist Banksy is actually Basalt resident Bernie Fowler.
“For many years, people in the art world have speculated that Banksy was living abroad somewhere outside of England,” said Sarah Rhyles, local art expert. “His work is selling for millions of dollars and there are no trappings of wealth to be seen in Bristol or London. People are asking, ‘Where are the Porsches? Where are the country estates?’”
People have speculated that his money was being spent elsewhere,” Rhyles said. “Three places were narrowed down — the Greek Isles, The Netherlands and Aspen. Some of Banksy’s early street art appeared on skateboard ramps so snowboarding was a logical leap in activities Banksy might have enjoyed.
The story behind Banksy’s identity being revealed goes back to when Fowler attended a Banksy exhibit at the Cats Meow Gallery and Karaoke Club in Aspen last month. At the opening, he apparently had too much to drink and began telling stories about how he actually pulled off the many infamous artistic stunts.
One of the attendees at the gallery began looking into the possibilities that Fowler was really Banksy and after some detective work — which may or may not have involved breaking into his Willits mansion — found irrefutable evidence that Fowler was Banksy, including 1,000 cans of spray paint and stencils, many of which have appeared on walls and in sewers all over the world.
The gallery workerswent public with her findings and has not been seen since. The Aviator, a street artist from Britain, is said to have said, “A lot of us knew Bernie was Bansky but it has always been a ‘We’ll tell you but we’d have to kill you kind of situation.’ I hope she’s OK.”
In 2009, as Banksy rose to international fame, Fowler started a shell company called Ratner Enterprises: a nod to the famous rat that he uses as a symbol of his work. “
For the last 15 years, Ratner Enterprises has built up a diverse portfolio in the Roaring Fork Valley, buying up mansions, acreage, condominiums, The Hotel Jerome, a 15% ownership in the ski company and a 30% ownership in Old Spoon Pizza.
Word has it that Ratner Enterprises was close to purchasing the real estate holdings of developer Hark Munt in hopes of ending the logjam of projects under Munt’s name. Since he was outed, that idea has been put on hold, and the developer’s projects continue to be mired in limbo.
Fowler cannot be found now that his identity has been revealed, and all of his properties are now for sale. Contact any number of real estate brokers who can be found holding splintered wooden bowls in the St. Paddy’s Church alleyway soup kitchen between 1-1:20 p.m. daily.