One Of The Craziest Heists In America Started At Taco Bell
When artist Mark Smith flew into Louisville, Kentucky in the early 2000s, he had no idea that one of the most significant critiques of his career was about to take place. He was not visiting a prestigious art gallery, but instead meeting with the corporate executives of Taco Bell, the popular fast food chain known for their Crunchwrap Supremes and Baja Blasts. Smith had pitched the idea of creating three paintings to be displayed in Taco Bell locations across the United States, and despite initial hesitation due to cost, he was granted approval to move forward with the project.
The paintings debuted in 2003 and Smith continued on with his career, only to discover years later that the paintings were being stolen from Taco Bell locations. The first reported instance was in Westlake, Ohio in 2015, where a burglar took one of Smith's paintings and disappeared without a trace. This was not an isolated event, as there have been multiple reports of the paintings being stolen since then, leading many to question how the thieves were getting their hands on the artwork.
Smith himself is surprised and shocked by the growing demand for his Taco Bell paintings on the underground art market. He never expected this to happen and is curious as to how people are obtaining the paintings, which were originally commissioned by Taco Bell for their corporate offices. However, it seems that the prints of the paintings have made their way into the hands of employees and contractors who are involved in the renovation of Taco Bell locations. These individuals have been selling the paintings for thousands of dollars on secondhand sites like Mercari and eBay.
One such seller is Blake Boesky, who stumbled upon the paintings on Facebook Marketplace in Michigan. He was able to obtain the paintings through a contractor who renovates Taco Bells, claiming that the paintings are often thrown out during renovations. And while the paintings have been going for as much as $10,000 apiece, Boesky is willing to take his chances and see if he can make a profit. However, he expressed concern about getting in trouble, as he understands the potential ramifications of selling stolen property.
The paintings themselves are striking and playful, reminiscent of the work of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Willem de Kooning. One painting portrays a butterfly in a sky full of stars, while another resembles an abstract figure surrounded by colorful symbols. These paintings were created with layered paper, crayon, and acrylic paint, and were designed to pay homage to American painter Maxfield Parrish while incorporating elements that reflect Taco Bell's branding.
For Smith, the project was an opportunity to break down barriers in the art world and reach a wider audience. He hoped that his artwork displayed in a fast food chain would serve as a gateway to other artistic experiences for customers. While the paintings are meant to be visually appealing and constantly reveal new details, Smith also hoped they would have a lasting impact on those who see them.
Despite the unexpected popularity and demand for his Taco Bell paintings, Smith is still in awe that his work is being given a new life. He believes that this project highlights the universal appeal of art and the enduring desire for Taco Bell and its iconic branding. As for the stolen paintings, their journey from corporate artwork to coveted black market items only serves as a testament to the power of art and its ability to transcend traditional boundaries.