Whatshisname

Whatshisnames Craft

Sebastian Burdon, professionally known as Whatshisname, is a London-based contemporary artist whose work sits at the intersection of Pop Art, digital craft, and satirical sculpture. Born in Poland in 1982, his alias was inspired by the Green Day song "Whatshername" and his own self-admitted struggle to remember other artists' names. His creative philosophy is centered on "celebrating the alternative to the ordinary," using humor and irony to challenge the stiffness of the fine art world.

GONE SERIES: While his balloon dogs are about physical humor, the Gone series is deeply emotional and nostalgic. These pieces feature blurry, silhouetted figures of iconic childhood characters—such as Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and Snoopy—appearing as if they are fading into a white mist or reaching out from behind a translucent veil.

Key Achievements:

Whatshisname has transitioned from an assistant for high-profile British artists (including Mat Collishaw) to an internationally recognized solo figure.

Art Above Earth (2023): In a groundbreaking move, he launched an interactive art exhibition into space in collaboration with Castle Fine Art. Pieces from his POPek and Gone series were sent into the stratosphere using specialized weather balloons to push the literal boundaries of where art can be "viewed."

Global Presence: His works are held in private collections and galleries worldwide, with permanent displays in locations like the Singapore Science Centre and major exhibitions in New York, Hong Kong, Miami, and London.

The "London Underground" Controversy: His POPek (pooping balloon dog) sculpture famously gained notoriety in 2012 when it was deemed "too offensive" for display in the London Underground, an event that only solidified his reputation as a subversive provocateur.

Disney Collaboration: He was commissioned to create a special Gone series piece for the premiere of the Lion King movie in Milan, which was gifted to the cast.