Zalkian is a mysterious, pseudonymous artist whose identity—name, nationality, and age—remains unknown. He is recognized for wearing a full-face mask during rare public appearances, usually tied to provocative and unconventional art stunts. Often described as one of the most elusive figures in contemporary art, Zalkian has drawn comparisons to Banksy and received recognition from prominent collectors, including Damien Hirst.

Little is known about his career prior to the early 2010s, when he worked exclusively for private clients. Zalkian first captured attention in 2017 after a notorious incident in Madrid, where he set one of his own artworks on fire during a private auction. Following this event, he retreated from the public eye, though rumors suggest he worked for clients in the USA and Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, Zalkian re-emerged with “Inferno Auctions”, a groundbreaking project where bidders compete for his work while a live audience holds the power to destroy it. If the artwork is burned, limited-edition prints are released for 24 hours only, blending spectacle, risk, and accessibility. With his signature fusion of mystery and provocation, Zalkian continues to challenge traditional notions of art, ownership, and value.