Metropolitan Museum of Manila releases statement on Banksy Universe exhibit

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) has addressed the questions surrounding their upcoming exhibit, "BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024."

In a statement sent to GMA News Online. The M said that the upcoming exhibition is a collaboration with the Banksy Universe team, an international art production collective specializing in immersive experiences, and has the goal “to introduce the universe of the enigmatic street artist known as Banksy to a Filipino audience.”

Given that it is almost impossible to see the original art of outside of the locations they were created, The M said, “BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 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.”

The museum also confirmed that the show is not authorized or endorsed by Banksy.

“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."

BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 drew flak from netizens when the exhibit was announced this week, as they said it will go against Banksy’s message and principles about bringing art to the masses.

While Banksy shows at museums are not unheard of — the Moco Museum in Amsterdam has a permanent Banksy exhibit on display — Pestcontroloffice.com, which is "the sole point contact for the artist," has said “Banksy is not involved or associated” with any exhibit, gallery, or institution in any country.

Banksy also said on the website that their art is not available to license for commercial use.

“Only Pest Control Office have permission to use or license my artwork. If someone else has granted you permission, you don’t have permission,” Banksy said.

The M also told GMA News Online that they are scheduled to release more details in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, the Banksy Universe Instagram account is yet to reply as of this posting.

Banksy is a UK-based, anonymous street artist whose pieces tackle themes like anti-war, anti-consumerism, anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, anti-authoritarianism, anarchism, and nihilism.

Through media such as spray painting and sculpture, their works also explore the existentialism, greed, poverty, hypocrisy, boredom, and loneliness of humanity, among many others. —JCB, GMA Integrated News