Artist Jim Sanborn has announced plans to auction the solution to the final code of his iconic sculpture, Kryptos, located at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, Virginia. The auction is set for November 20, 2023, coinciding with Sanborn’s 80th birthday. The move comes after 35 years of guarding the sculpture’s secrets, which has garnered a cult following among codebreakers and cryptography enthusiasts.
Kryptos features an engraved code that has puzzled cryptographers since its completion in 1990. Sanborn has expressed a sense of urgency in parting with the code, stating, “I could keel over at any minute and I’d rest easier if I knew that things were in control somehow.” His decision follows years of managing intense interest from fans and aspiring code crackers, some of whom have taken their pursuits to extreme levels, he noted.
In a letter shared with The Washington Post, Sanborn acknowledged the emotional difficulty of this choice, indicating that many within the Kryptos community might be upset. He explained, “I no longer have the physical, mental or financial resources” to maintain the code and pursue other creative projects. He hopes that the eventual buyer will keep the solution confidential, hinting at the value of secrecy in the context of the artwork.
The auction, organized by RR Auction, will include the original handwritten text of the sought-after K4 code. The estimated sale price is expected to range from $300,000 to $500,000, with the potential for higher bids, according to Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction. The code will be transferred securely via armoured vehicle.
Sanborn’s work on Kryptos has not only captivated the public but has also turned into a significant undertaking for the artist. He has received tens of thousands of messages over the years from eager code crackers, prompting him to implement a $50 fee for submitted guesses to help manage the influx. The rise of AI-generated decryptions has further complicated the landscape, leading him to develop an AI-powered phone line that may respond to inquiries in his voice.
The sculpture has become a symbol of secrecy and intrigue, embodying a performance piece in its own right. Sanborn has reflected on the burden of keeping secrets, stating, “Now I clearly understand the burden of keeping secrets.” The CIA commissioned Kryptos as part of an art initiative designed to improve its public image during a time of scrutiny over Cold War activities.
The significance of Kryptos extends beyond just Sanborn. Peter Krapp, a film and media studies professor at the University of California, has criticized the decision to privatize the solution, arguing that the knowledge embedded in the piece should be shared rather than withheld. He remarked, “The knowledge that went into the piece ought to be shared, not withheld.”
The first three parts of Kryptos have been decoded, with varying levels of complexity. The initial segments contain messages that reference hidden information and historical figures, such as William H. Webster, a former CIA director. The final passage, K4, remains unsolved, adding to the allure of the piece. Sanborn has cryptically suggested that future segments could present additional challenges, stating, “K5 is going to be somewhat inscrutable as well.”
As the auction approaches, Sanborn’s sentiments reflect a mix of nostalgia and pragmatism. He has oscillated in his feelings about whether he hopes the code will be cracked, indicating a desire for the artwork to maintain its lasting impact. He noted, “I’d rather it not, only because I’m an artist and every artist is trained to make artwork which has lasting presence and lasting value.”
With the auction of the K4 solution, the ongoing enigma of Kryptos may soon reach a conclusion, offering both closure and new beginnings for its curious audience.
