Zalkian, born sometime between 1975 and 1985, remains an enigmatic figure in the art world. Much like Banksy, he is notoriously private, carefully concealing his identity. His work blends pop art with street art and is marked by rare but provocative stunts that challenge conventional boundaries.Though the exact start of his artistic career is unclear, whispers suggest he was active as early as the late 1990s, primarily creating commissioned pieces for private European collectors. These early works were rarely seen by the public, maintaining an air of exclusivity around his name. In 2013, Zalkian began releasing limited-edition screenprints, accessible only to a select clientele.His breakout moment came in 2017, during a discreetly organized auction at a Spanish mansion. After a successful bid on one of his paintings, Zalkian set the artwork on fire instead of finalizing the sale. This bold act sparked intrigue among elite collectors and launched him into high-demand circles, where he continued releasing occasional limited prints while keeping a low profile.In 2024, Zalkian returned to public attention with his dramatic “Inferno Auction” series, which remains active. The project earned him critical acclaim, with Damien Hirst famously dubbing him “the new Banksy.”A year later, Zalkian made headlines again with a controversial Pokémon-themed print giveaway in response to a Nintendo dispute. The stunt garnered viral attention and cemented his reputation in pop culture, earning him the nickname “The Banksy of Pokémon.”