Quite an inadvertent experience that Jamie W. and I had in Barcelona was coming upon this surprisingly expansive museum dedicated to the infamous street artist. I've been amused in the past by his middle-finger approach to political and social commentary through his unique stenciling technique. As visually clever as he can be, we didn't expect a museum dedicated to him.
It's worth noting that original works are not displayed here but rather faithful reproductions often on panels meant to replicate outside street walls. That doesn't matter because the images were not meant to reflect artistic technique, more provocative images that engender populism and give visitors pause. Admission was 14€, a fair price for three floors of work. The familiar Girl with the Balloon is here (photo: https://yelp.to/-71CJRlZiG).
There are cheeky juxtapositions like Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz' having her basket inspected by the police (photo: https://yelp.to/5wNGOmYxs0). The most harrowing might be the iconic image of the naked girl running toward the camera during the My Lai massacre. In this case, she's holding hands with Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald in a vitriolic statement against consumerism (photo: https://yelp.to/sG1SlJD4sp).
The Walled Off Hotel is an entire installation focused as a pointed diatribe against British colonialism in Palestine (photo: https://yelp.to/Wxb0j0JuAb). There was an immersive aspect to the entire collection, which made me wonder if it was just the fetishization and commercialism of art meant to be seen on the street. I was surprised to discover there were at least a half dozen Banksy museums around the world. I wonder if he gets a share of the profits.
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