What could be hidden inside a picture frame? Part of an electronic security inspection always includes checking picture frames for the possibility of hidden electronics and eavesdropping devices. Sotheby’s could have used such a sweep prior to the auction of one of street artist Banksy’s paintings.
Girl with a Balloon
The painting, “Girl with a Ballon”, was just sold for over $1 million (860,000 pounds) when a shredder, secretly built into the frame, was remotely activated and proceeded to shred the painting half way while surprised and shocked onlookers gasped and chuckled. The painting was quickly removed and the auctioneer keep things moving. It is thought, though, that the unique act could actually increase the value of the artwork by as much as 50%.
Going, going, gone!
Banksy posted a video of how he installed the shredder on Instagram, below, followed by video of the event.
What’s inside?
A look at what goes inside the frame gives a bit of a picture of the extent of the planning and design of this stunt: a radio receiver, electronic switching, blades, motors, and batteries that lasted for years waiting for the right time to be activated. How much easier would it be to install an eavesdropping device, with much less size and weight, into a painting hanging in a corporate office?
More on Banksy- Spy Booth
Banksy is well known for unique, clever, and sometimes controversial street art. His humorous “Spy Booth” in 2014 took advantage of a phone booth and wall mounted satellite dish on Hewlett Road in Cheltenham, England, not far from GCHQ, to show caricatures of government spies monitoring and recording what might be going on inside the booth.
Banksy “Spy Booth”
Unfortunately for Banksy lovers, the building was re-done in 2016, destroying the art work.
“Spy Booth” makeover.
Not all is lost, though. Another anonymous artist (could have been the real Banksy?) created a sort of a copy outside of a tea shop on High Street, also in Cheltenham. This time, though, the spies have given up their eavesdropping gear for an espresso machine and tea pot!
If you are concerned about shredders (or eavesdropping devices) hiding in your art frames, contact us! Our non-invasive sweep tools will let you know if you have anything to worry about.
Read more on the shredded painting:
Gloucestershire Live
New York Times
The Guardian
Read more on Banksy and Spy Booth:
“Who is Banksy” news.artnet.com
“Spy Booth to Chai Booth”