Metropolitan Museum of Manila clarifies concerns about upcoming Banksy exhibit, says it remains on schedule
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) has clarified details about the controversial "BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024" exhibit happening in Bonifacio Global City.
Partnering with the Banksy Universe team, The M said it aims to bring the street artist's world to Filipino audiences through its upcoming exhibit.
"In collaboration with the Banksy Universe team, an international art production collective specializing in immersive experiences, [The M] is excited to introduce the universe of the enigmatic street artist known as Banksy to a Filipino audience," the museum said in a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe.
While it is "almost impossible" to see the England-based street artist's original work outside specific locations, The M said that the upcoming exhibit in Manila "is a unique opportunity to learn more about Banksy’s art and explore the universality of the many piercing social, political and domestic issues it raises."
They confirmed that the exhibit, like many Banksy exhibitions around the world, is unauthorized or endorsed by the artist. They highlighted, however, that "BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024" will offer visitors a chance to see how Banksy's style and themes have evolved.
"While BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024, like many such exhibitions in museums around the world, is not authorized or endorsed by Banksy, it will feature over a hundred works that trace the trajectory of Banksy’s career, affording visitors a closer look into the themes that preoccupy him, as well as the transformative power of art," they continued, adding that the exhibit will push through "soon" to The M.
The upcoming "BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024" exhibit generated discussion online, with some social media users raising concerns about its compatibility with Banksy's artistic approach.
Social media personality Gelo Arucan reached out to Pest Control, the organization that handles Banksy, to confirm the authenticity of the exhibition. Pest Control replied to him saying that "it is not authorised or endorsed by the artist Banksy."
"We have no further details about it, or its contents," it added, thanking Arucan for raising the issue.
Banksy is a renowned Bristol-based artist whose identity remains unknown. He is known for his "anti-authoritarian art" sprayed in public spaces like the famous Girl with Balloon, which was shredded halfway during an auction and later titled Love is in the Bin.