I have also been a super fan of street art and pop art. I like expressionism and the thought-provokingness of some of the art pieces. Though I may be too poor to own the original art piece, following them over the years provides some healing to me. Hence, Banksy Singapore Art Exhibition is a must go for me.
So, when I heard that Banksy—arguably the most enigmatic and influential street artist of our time—was coming to Singapore for an exhibition at Scott Road in Orchard, I could not miss it. Banksy isn’t just an artist; he’s a street poet to me. His works blend dark humor, explore satire, and remind us about society through the social commentary created within his art. They are often made in the dead of night on the sides of buildings, bridges, and even the West Bank Barrier. For someone who loves street art culture, this exhibition was an excellent opportunity to experience his iconic pieces up close.
As I stepped into the exhibition space, I felt excitement mixed with curiosity because I like to know Banksy better.
Who is Banksy?
Banksy is an England-based street artist, activist, and filmmaker whose real identity remains a mystery. Emerging from Bristol’s underground street art scene in the 1990s, Banksy quickly gained recognition for his distinctive stenciling technique and ability to blend art with social and political commentary. His mystery identity allows his art to speak louder than his persona.
Banksy’s art often critiques societal issues like consumerism, war, and inequality. According to a report by Artnet News, Banksy’s pieces have sold for millions at auctions, with Devolved Parliament (a depiction of chimpanzees in the UK House of Commons) fetching a record $12.2 million in 2019.
Despite his commercial success, Banksy remains deeply rooted in the ethos of street art, often creating works in public spaces without permission.
What is Banksy Famous For?
Banksy’s art is instantly recognizable, and social commentary is expressed in his art. Here are some of his most iconic works, that is also available in Banksy Singapore, that I find it very fascinating:
- Girl with Balloon: This piece, depicting a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped balloon, symbolizes hope and loss. In 2018, the artwork made headlines when it was partially shredded moments after being sold at auction for $1.4 million. The winning bidder decided to go ahead with the auction. Banksy’s authentication body later authenticated the partially shredded art piece and was given a new title, Love is in the Bin, which became one of the most talked-about moments in art history. I heard the partially shredded art piece is now worth even more!
- Dismaland: In 2015, Banksy created Dismaland, a satirical theme park in the seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. The temporary art project is Banksy’s critique of consumerism and societal decay. The temporary installation attracted over 150,000 visitors during its five-week run, according to The Guardian.
Iconic Moments in Banksy’s Career
Banksy’s ability to understand societal issues and provide an avenue to remind society about our issues is demonstrated through his expression. Here are the most iconic Banksy moments in his art expression journey:
- The Shredding Incident: In 2018, Girl with Balloon was partially shredded moments after being auctioned. The stunt, which Banksy later revealed was intended to critique the commodification of art, made headlines worldwide.
- Refugee Rescue: Banksy used the proceeds from an auction to buy a boat named Louise Michel, used to rescue refugees in the Mediterranean.
- Banksy Louvre Museum Prank: Banksy has secretly installed his work in the Louvre Museum, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa artwork. Banksy came out with his take on Mona Lisa with an artwork named “Mona Lisa Smile”. The art piece was later auctioned off at 56K pounds!
My Experience at the Banksy Singapore Exhibition
The Banksy Singapore exhibition tour took me an hour and a half. The space was divided into sections, with each offering a different lens into Banksy’s world. When you enter, you are offered a timeline of the history of Banksy’s art journey, which is a nice recap for people who may not be familiar with Banksy. You can also watch the TV replay of the auction in Sotheby, where the partially shredded Balloon Girl was created.
Naturally, I was looking forward to meeting the most iconic Banksy’s art piece, Seeing Girl with Balloon. Girl with Balloon first appeared as an original graffiti mural outside a Shoreditch shop in 2002 and later at London’s Southbank that same year, accompanied by the epitaph “There is Always Hope.”
Girl with Balloon depicts a small child who reaches out towards a red, heart-shaped balloon dangling from a string. The image impression is very interesting. It leaves you to decide whether the girl is reaching out to catch the balloon (representing childhood delight) or feels like it slips through from her fingers and is watching in anguish.
The Banksy Singapore exhibition showcased not just art pieces of Banksy but also included videos and installations that provided context for his artworks, making them both educational and immersive.
Watching Dismaland, a grim parody of Disneyland, from the TV display is quite remarkable. It was a stark reminder of Banksy’s ability to blend humor with hard-hitting commentary.
Why Banksy Matters
The world we live in can be very complex now. Very often, the weak ones in society suffer and are marginalized. Banksy’s art matters because it not only challenges us to see the world differently but also lends a voice to the weak ones. His work offers a lens of reminders, humor, hope, and humanity.
His anonymity adds to his appeal, allowing his work to speak for itself without the distraction of being well-known. In a world that often feels divided, Banksy’s art showcases the power of using art to speak about society and effect change.
Final Thoughts On Banksy Singapore Art Exhibition
Visiting the Banksy exhibition has deepened my appreciation for his work and reminded me why I’m drawn to street art. I highly recommend experiencing this exhibition for yourself. And if you’re not, take some time to explore Banksy’s work online. His art is a reminder that even in the world’s chaos, there’s beauty, humor, and hope to be found. Moreover, we consistently lead a busy life. Sometimes, it is therapeutic to go outside and touch some grass! Visiting art exhibitions is one of those! It helps to take your mind off work, de-stress, and allow you to embrace new perspectives. I am already looking forward to the latest art exhibition!
