Banksy Universe| Manila 2024 Is Now in BGC
Make sure to visit while it's on display at the Manila Metropolitan Museum.
(SPOT.ph) After much hullaballoo online, the BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 exhibit is here. Beginning May 14, the public will be able to see the show at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC. Whether you're a fan of street art, of Banksy himself, or are just curious because of the internet uproar, here's a guide on what you will see when you visit this "provocative" new exhibit featuring select works and replicas of the work of the reclusive artist.
Also read: Banksy In Manila? What We Know So Far
Here's what you need to know about BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024:
BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 promises an immersive experience that presents the disturbing yet poetic world of the famously anonymous street artist. It consists of a mix of mural installation replicas, actual Pest Control-verified prints, and pieces from collectors worldwide. And yes, the exhibit even features pieces from Filipino collectors.
Due to the nature of Banksy's vigilante style of street art, most of his work is found in places that are not always accessible, thereby making a show featuring all original works next to impossible to mount. Here's where exhibitions like BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 come in. Although the exhibition is not a Banksy-authorized show, it is one of many that aims to bring the artwork and genius of Banksy to more audiences—especially audiences in places like Manila who's never had a Banksified wall.
The exhibit features several zones tracing the different eras of Banksy's art, from its rebellious roots in Bristol to his more recent works in London, Los Angeles, and New York City.
There are also zones dedicated to his bigger exhibitions and executions, like Dismaland, a Bemusement Park, and The Walled Off Hotel, which confront themes of war and conflict, specifically towards Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Who are the people behind BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024:
BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 is the first Banksy Universe exhibition. It is owned by a group of European collectors, fans, and contemporary art enthusiasts called the BANKSY UNIVERSE collective.
In a statement to members of the press, Chris Johnson, spokesperson for the BANKSY UNIVERSE collective, explained that in the early 2000s their group started as art enthusiasts who would go around the world to freshly "bombed" Banksy art locations, like the streets of Paris, and protect the art from getting removed. The collective would put up plexiglass or other protective coverings onto the paintings to stop unknowing building owners or local government officials from removing the "graffiti."
The pieces in BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 are pooled items from the collective's personal collections of authenticated Banksy art pieces, as well as from their friends and acquaintances who are also collectors and fans. Johnson remarked that despite the Philippines not having Banksy art on its walls, some pieces on display in the show come from Filipino collectors. These collectors, however, declined to be named—for their safety and the safety of their collections.
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila Head of Special Projects and Exhibitions Bambina Olivares addressed the elephant in the room when she acknowledged the irony of having a Banksy exhibit in a museum located in an affluent neighborhood such as BGC. The museum and the Banksy Universe collective both agree that exhibitions like this are key to bringing art closer to a wider audience. "It is high time Manila got a taste of Banksy's art," added Johnson.
In the spirit of Banksy's art being for the greater good, the Banksy Universe collective partnered with Childhope Philippines, a non-government organization that protects and educates street children. While the pieces in the BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 exhibit are not for sale, the collective has set aside a number of pieces and prints that collectors and fans can purchase. Part of the proceeds from these sales will go to Childhope Philippines.
Photos from the BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024:
How to book tickets to BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024
Reservation and pre-registration are required to visit The M and BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024. To book your visit, head over to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila's website and select the All Access Day Pass. This grants visitors access to all the galleries in the museum, including special exhibitions like BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024.
Here are the prices for passes to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila:
- All Access Day Pass: P550
- All Access Day Pass Senior Citizen and PWD: P440
- All Access Day Pass Student: P275
After selecting the appropriate pass type, you will be redirected to a booking page where you can buy your passes. Note that the museum is only open from Tuesdays to Saturdays (except during public holidays and other special notices).
Check out our video of what to expect at the upcoming BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 exhibit:
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BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 will be at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, MK Tan Centre 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It will be open to the public from May 14 to November 20, 2024. Tickets cost P550. For more information, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Manila's website.
Also read: Street Artist Banksy Is Also Working From Home
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