The anonymous street artist Banksy is irked over an unauthorized exhibition currently on view in Russia. On Wednesday afternoon, Banksy’s official Instagram page included a screen-grab of an online chat in which he denied any affiliation with or endorsement of a current exhibition dedicated to him in Moscow.
In the exchange, the elusive street artist appears to be learning—for the first time—about the show, which opened June 2 at Moscow’s Central House of Artist Museum. In response to a picture of the museum facade plastered with his name, the artist asks his unnamed interlocutor, “You’re funny. What the hell is that?”
Upon being told it’s a ticketed exhibition in Moscow, he replies, “You know it’s got nothing to do with me right? I don’t charge people to see my art unless there’s a fairground wheel.”
Tickets to the show are about $10 for weekend admission, or about $20 for a VIP tour.
When Banksy’s correspondent implores the artist to put out a press release expressing his displeasure, he replies with appropriate irony: “Hmm—not sure I’m the best person to complain about people putting up pictures without getting permission.” Instead, it seems, he just chooses to post the text exchange as a dig at the Russian “Banksy” show.