Taco Bell Art Heist Story

Overview

• Unusual art heist supposedly unfolding at Taco Bell.
• Paintings from Taco Bell stores disappear and reappear online with high price tags.
• A thriving underground market emerges, causing a stir in the contemporary art world.

Investigation Methods

• Social Media: Explored Taco Bell subreddits and "Living Moss" Discord channel.
• Marketplace Inquiries: Communicated with eBay sellers.
• Artistic Insight: Consulted with taco restaurant artist for expert opinion.

Findings from Investigation

• Market Analysis:

  • Prints listed for prices as high as $30,000.
  • Majority of transactions happen between $300 to $500.
  • Most sold to hardcore Taco Bell fans.

• **Seller Interactions: **

  • Sellers negotiate prices, showing willingness to lower from $8,500 to $2,000.
  • Claims from sellers suggest pieces are legitimate and not stolen.

Art and Artistic Influence

• Art Style:

  • Compared to neo-expressionism, influenced by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
  • Art by Mark T. Smith reflects Taco Bell's rebellious brand.

• Valuation:

  • Reasonable gallery price estimated at €3,000 to €5,000 for originals.
  • Prints are less valuable but shrouded in allure due to theft.

The Ohio Connection

• **Reported Heists: **

  • First heist report from Westlake, Ohio, in 2015.
  • Previous attempt in 2011 by a former employee.
  • Ohio identified as the origin for most online sale listings.

• Taco Bell's Role:

  • No confirmation of other thefts beyond Ohio.
  • Lack of response or comment from Taco Bell to inquiries.

Media Narrative and Speculation

• Media Exaggeration:

  • Headline claimed a nationwide heist, though events isolated to Ohio.
  • NBC and other media outlets perpetuated the narrative.
  • Sponsored content, like the "Pop Crime" podcast, possibly fueled the story.

• Taco Bell's Branding Strategy:

  • Historical use of publicity stunts demonstrated in the 1996 Liberty Bell ad.
  • Speculation that Taco Bell may have indirectly benefited from the narrative.

Art and Market Dynamics

• Art Market Dynamics:
  • The narrative adds to the allure and perceived value of the prints.
  • Similar dynamics illustrated in the "performance art" of fake stories in the art community.

Conclusion

• Current scenario shows high listing prices but minimal actual sales.
• Overblown story indicates the power of narrative in art valuation and media coverage.