Artist collected by Michael Caine flogs collection for cryptocurrency for Venice Biennal…

The London and LA-based artist, dubbed by Michael Caine as “the next Andy Warhol,” snubs traditional galleries and auction houses by selling his work through WhatsApp and other social media channels to collectors all over the world, some of whom do not see the work in the flesh until after they purchase it.

In another unusual step, the majority of the self-taught artist’s sales are conducted digitally, with a preferred payment in cryptocurrency.

Mr Townley, whose latest collection, Behind the Mask, will exhibit at the prestigious Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale) on The Grand Canal next spring, believes artists should be looking for innovative ways to sell their work.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “I’m always looking at ways to do things differently in my route to market.

“There is no two ways about it. The people who invest in Bitcoin are without doubt speculators – they are looking at something with more of a risk.

“But that’s why I thought to…