Art thrives on freedom, reflecting human expression and the complexities of existence. Artists delve into imagination, challenging norms and pushing boundaries, essential for art's role as a catalyst for change.
Which brings us to the latest debacle about a certain Banksy exhibit soon to happen in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The business district faced backlash for promoting an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum Manila (Met) featuring Banksy, the graffiti artist and political activist.
The Met hinted at an upcoming event titled "Banksy Universe" and "Manila 2024" through a social media post on April 22, 2024, featuring the text and image of the event. The post was captioned "Spraying soon. 'Art is not a crime.' #BanksyUniverse #BanksyUniversePH."
Later in the day, the social media accounts for BGC also posted about "Banksy Universe" using the "Girl with Balloon graffiti" piece of Banksy with the text "Spraying soon." While many were excited, others noticed a contrast between Banksy's artistic views and the city's management approach.
The reactions of netizens spoke for themselves:
Fans of the artist Banksy, known for his stance against big companies and copyright, wondered if the event was truly permitted by the artist, given their typical opposition to corporate involvement. Upon investigation, they discovered that Banksy had not approved the event.
Pest Control, the company in charge of managing Banksy's affairs, states on its website, that it is not connected to or participating in any exhibitions of Banksy's art in other countries
Netizens have criticized the exhibit, saying that it contradicts Banksy's beliefs; he is renowned for his opposition to war and consumerism.
Kevin Eric Raymundo, better known as Tarantadong Kalbo, a renowned comic artist and animation director, recently shared an artwork on his Facebook page criticizing Bonifacio Global City.
Illustrator and creative director Rob Cham posted on his X (formerly Twitter) a screenshot of an email sent to Pest Control, the organization responsible for authenticating Banksy's artwork. The email stated that the event was not approved or supported by Banksy, and Pest Control had no information about it.
One positive outcome of this debacle is that it has sparked a healthy conversation about art and its role in our lives. It reflects the human condition, and indeed, this entire conversation or debate is what Banksy is truly fighting for. So, in a way, this is another win for them.
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle has asked the Metropolitan Museum of Manila for a statement and will update the story upon receiving it.