Metropolitan Museum of Manila's Banksy Universe draws mixed reactions
Yesterday, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila teased “Banksy Universe” on it social media pages, posting a an image with the text “Banksy Universe” and “Manila 2024”. No other explanation was included in the caption to the post.
Later on in the day, the social media accounts for Bonifacio Global City also posted about “Banksy Universe” on their social media, using the Girl with Balloon graffiti with the text “Spraying soon.”
An article by Nika Rque on GMA News Online quotes the Metropolitan Museum of Manila as saying that more information about the “Banksy Universe” will be released in the next two weeks, while the Banksy Universe Instagram account has not responded to inquiries.
While details about Banksy Universe are still scant, it has drawn a mixed response from the public. In the comments section, some people expressed their interest at the possibility of a Banksy exhibition.
However, there has also been a good amount of people who have spoken up about the exhibit, describing it as something that is counter to everything Banksy stands for. The reclusive artist is known for his anti-war and anti-consumerist views.
For instance, popular comic artist and animation director @KevinKalbo posted artwork on his X (formerly Twitter) account calling out Bonifacio Global City.
-- Tarantadong Kalbo (@KevinKalbo) April 23, 2024
Illustrator and creative director Rob Cham also shared a screenshot of an email sent to Pest Control, the “parent/legal guardian for the artist Banksy” and the only body permitted to authenticate Banksy's work. In the email, Pest Control revealed that the event is “not authorized or endorsed by the artist Banksy” and that they have no details about it or its contents.
the more you learn of the banksy event, the more you realize how shady it is pic.twitter.com/yx0mPt0pEZ
-- ɯɐɥɔ qoɹ (@robcham) April 24, 2024
Back in 2022, Banksy accused a London Guess shop of copyright infringement after the store allegedly helped itself to Banksy's artwork without his consent. The store had partnered with a group called Brandalised for a collection using Banksy's artwork. Brandalised claimed to offer graffiti licenses to “offer Banksy fans affordable graffiti collectibles.” Some of the Banksy works used in the collection include "Flying Balloon Girl," "Queen Ziggy," "Thug for Life Bunny," and "Living the Dream." Prices for the 34-piece collection range from $40 to $275.
