Last year, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig, with my friends to check out Banksy Universe Manila 2024. Of course, I had heard of Banksy, but I wasn't familiar with his artwork. All I knew was the Girl with the Balloon, as this is one of his best-known pieces.
While I'm not an art connoisseur, I do like to appreciate art, and what better way to get to know an artist than to check out his or her exhibit? And yes, I know this wasn't Banksy himself that chose to showcase his works of art. I heard the artist doesn't like to hold exhibits. The Banksy Universe Manila 2024 was pooled from authenticated art pieces from personal collections of collectors of Banksy's works. I also learned that there's an irony in having a Banksy exhibit at an upscale area such as BGC. They say he's a critic of capitalism.
Anyway, here are the interesting pieces I saw at the exhibit.
Banksy was a street artist known for his graffiti works. Some critics say his works are art while some call it vandalism.
This piece's message is pretty sad. It seems to say sorry you can't follow your dreams. You don't have that luxury anymore.
This piece, Nola, was done after the destruction caused by Typhoon Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Banksy also made artworks about people with authority such as the police. His artwork, Flying Cooper 2003 is a reminder to people not to be too trusting of people with too much power or authority. It reminded me of the time here in the Philippines when extra judicial killings were happening every so often, and it was the cops involved. Those were scary times.
As I mentioned, The Girl in the Balloon is one of Banksy's most popular works. In a Sotheby art auction, after this painting was sold for over £1 million, the artwork self-destroyed through a shredder hidden beneath the frame. Though it's not completely shredded. It became even more valuable as an art piece after that.
It was an interesting visit I had at the MET museum, learning all about Banksy. I'm glad I got to check out the art pieces. After all, learning to appreciate art is one way to become cultured.
