The “Money Room” at Anthony Micallef’s “pop-up gallery” at Hollywood and Highland…

Have you ever heard of artist ANTHONY MICALLEF? If you’re like the majority of LA art aficionados, the answer is most likely “no.” So how is it possible that this vaguely recognizable (and very talented) British painter has set up a “pop-up gallery” on the corner of Hollywood and Highland and managed to sell out a huge show of paintings and sculptures—pulling in well over a million dollars—all in one nite? The answer: “The Banksy Syndrome.” Repped by Banksy’s London-based art dealer, STEVE LAZARIDES, it seems that Micallef & Co. has copied the same formula as the London-based street artist in creating a heavy PR blitz by renting their own location, spreading a heavy aura of “secrecy” about the event’s debut date and location, inviting a veritable who’s-who list of local celebrities and gawkers to an advance VIP preview, and charging through the nose for Read the rest of this entry »