Those mysterious metal monoliths that have been popping up worldwide?
Well, Banksy is not behind them.
“Nope,” a representative for the famed British street artist told HuffPost on Tuesday. (That was the extent of the statement.)
Ever since the first structure of its kind was spotted deep in a Utah desert last month, there had been speculation about whether the reclusive artist had a role.
The term “Planksy” began trending on social media as people suggested Banksy had something to do with similar-looking installations that had appeared on an Isle of Wight beach as well as in Romania, Las Vegas, the Netherlands and California.
It’s still unclear who is behind them.
The Most Famous Artist, a Santa Fe-based art collective founded by Matty Mo, appears to have claimed credit for the Utah monolith, reported Mashable. That shiny metal tower, discovered in November during a helicopter survey of wild sheep, prompted speculation of alien placement. It has since disappeared, with only a pile of rocks and small piece of metal left behind.
It was in position as far back as 2015, according to internet sleuths. Mo did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
A group led by artist Wade McKenzie, meanwhile, has taken responsibility for the California piece, The New York Times reported. McKenzie said he was inspired by the discovery of the Utah monolith.
A designer on the Isle of Wight told the BBC he was behind the structure that appeared on Compton Beach.
But the monoliths in Romania, the Netherlands and Las Vegas, as well as two newly sighted in Germany and Spain remain unclaimed.
So, marketing stunt or little green men?
The truth is out there.