The article from Artnet News discusses several intriguing topics, including the activities of Andrew Valmorbida, an art dealer known for his controversial dealings in the art world. Valmorbida purchased the rights to the entire body of work of artist Richard Hambleton in the last year of Hambleton's life, a transaction valued at $1 million. This purchase allowed Valmorbida to authorize the creation of new "Shadowman" works in the streets of New York, echoing Hambleton's iconic style.
Furthermore, these new works, strategically placed in high-profile locations like the Supreme store and Hauser & Wirth, feature QR codes linking to the Hambleton site managed by Valmorbida's Untitled-1 Holdings. Interestingly, this site recently advertised an impending Hambleton NFT, although this promotion seems to have disappeared.
Valmorbida was also involved in planning an immersive "Shadowman Experience" in London. This experience, inspired by the unauthorized Banksy touring experience, aims to include features like a skate park and concessions, and is being designed by Hotdog Productions. This initiative seeks to create family-friendly galleries filled with oversized mock Shadowman silhouettes, a concept that seems to diverge from the original street-art essence of Hambleton's legacy.
Moreover, Valmorbida has recently settled a legal case for financial misdeeds in Jersey, in the British Islands. This case involved allegations of Valmorbida using art he didn't own as collateral for loans. The severity of his actions led the court to release a public statement about his activities, labeling him as "serially dishonest" and warning potential business partners about his conduct.
This information sheds light on the complex and sometimes controversial nature of Valmorbida's dealings in the art world, highlighting both his ambitious projects and the legal troubles he has faced.