The Manila’Bang Show 2024 happened between November 14 to 17 at SPACE at OneAyala. The new venue gives artists and galleries an opportunity to showcase their art at the heart of the Makati Central Business District. With that in mind, BluPrint takes you on the ground of its opening day. Many galleries came out in […]
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s (MMM) announcement of its upcoming exhibit, “Banksy Universe Manila 2024,” sparked uproar among netizens. On the surface, the production aims to showcase the works of the enigmatic street artist Banksy, offering Filipino audiences a closer look at his creations.
However, a key detail merits debate. The exhibit is not authorized by Banksy himself, as confirmed by his exclusive licensing company, Pest Control Office. In fact, they expressly state the artist “is not involved or associated with” any of the different exhibitions of his work worldwide. The Museum also acknowledges this in its press release, stating it aligns with the artist’s history of remaining unaffiliated with official exhibitions.
This raises questions about the legitimacy and purpose of such an exhibit. Proponents argue it provides a valuable opportunity to learn about Banksy’s art and its social and political commentary. Opponents are quick to point out the irony of showcasing Banksy’s work in a museum and how it contradicts his anti-establishment message. Banksy’s art thrives in unconventional spaces, challenging the authority of traditional art institutions like MMM. Additionally, some question the ethics of profiting from the work of an artist who actively rejects commercialization.
Further complicating the situation is the involvement of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as a partner. BGC’s stance against unsanctioned street art has drawn criticism from the local art community. This perceived dissonance between promoting a commercialized version of street art and restricting genuine artistic expression fuels the debate.
Beyond the Controversy: Accessibility, Dialogue, and Reinterpretation
However, there are alternative perspectives to consider. Despite being an unauthorized exhibit, it still presents an opportunity to introduce Banksy’s art and social commentary. Especially to a wider Filipino audience who might not otherwise encounter it. This broader accessibility could spark valuable public discourse about the ethics of unauthorized exhibits, the value of street art, and the role of museums in presenting challenging art. It’s also interesting to note that Pest Control neither condemned or condoned Banksy Universe, choosing to simply disassociate themselves from it.
Furthermore, you could argue that the controversy surrounding the exhibit is part of the commentary. By presenting Banksy’s work within the very institution he critiques, the exhibit forces viewers to confront his ideas within a new context. Perhaps the “unauthorized” nature of the exhibit becomes part of the artistic statement. Is this the commercialization of rebellion?
A Wider Conversation
The museum setting could also be seen as a platform for Banksy’s message to reach a new audience. Exposure to his work, even in a non-traditional format, could inspire a new generation of Filipino street artists, echoing Banksy’s original spirit of DIY public commentary. Additionally, Banksy himself is infamous for his unpredictability.
On one hand, “Banksy Universe Manila 2024” presents a unique opportunity to engage with the work of a significant contemporary artist. On the other, the unauthorized nature of the exhibit and the involvement of BGC raise questions about its alignment with Banksy’s artistic philosophy. Either way, we can’t just ignore the potential for broader accessibility, public discourse, and even unforeseen artistic outcomes. The true impact of the exhibit will likely depend on its execution and the conversations it sparks about art, authority, and social commentary.
Where do you stand?
Image sourced from WikiCommons.
Read more: Artwashing: How States Sweep the Dirt Under the Canvas
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Every year, the holiday season brings a flurry of new decor trends. While it’s fun to experiment with the latest styles, sometimes it can be a little taxing and confusing keeping up with them. But the good news is that you don’t need to follow every trend to create a stunning Yuletide aesthetic. Here are […]
The ICA Art Fair happened from November 21 to 23 at W High Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). This inaugural art fair was organized as a charity event for the benefit of the ICA Alumni Association Scholarship Foundation. “This one-of-a-kind charity event will feature a curated selection of leading contemporary artists, displaying works across […]
Swiss architect and designer Aurel Aebi, co-founder of atelier oï alongside Armand Louis and Patrick Reymond, brings a tactile, storytelling approach to design. Visiting Manila for the Louis Vuitton Savoir Rêver exhibition, Aebi shared insights into their philosophy and process, demonstrating how everyday objects can transform into elegant, functional art pieces. At atelier oï’s studio […]
This 2024, we’ve seen a lot of emerging design ideas, taking inspiration from fashion, music, psychology, and philosophy, that changed the way we perceive interior spaces. And now that we’re approaching the Yuletide season, you might want to break away from your usual way of decorating and try something fresh and out of the ordinary. […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]