Banksy Museum Opens in New York Without Artist's Approval for Original Works Reproduction
For years, the British street artist harnessed his anonymity, surprising both city dwellers and the art world with clever murals and spontaneous exhibitions that appear suddenly overnight
Art enthusiasts can now admire the renowned works of the elusive street artist known simply as Banksy at a museum in New York City.
The recently opened museum seeks to replicate the thrill of discovering Banksy's graffiti in urban settings.
With features like a simulated manhole cover and strategically placed debris, visitors traverse walls meticulously designed to mimic brick or concrete, adorned with Banksy's signature images of children, police officers and rats.
However, all the displays are replicas, as Banksy has never permitted his original works to be reproduced.
Hazis Vardar, the museum founder who privately owns original Banksy artworks and previously established a replica museum in Paris, expressed no concern about the artist's non-involvement.
“Banksy changed the rules. If you want to organize something about Banksy, you have to change the rules also,” Vardar said.
For years, the British street artist has utilized his anonymity, astonishing both urbanites and the art scene with his witty murals and impromptu exhibitions that emerge unexpectedly overnight.
As Banksy often creates graffiti on surfaces he doesn't own, his works are technically considered acts of vandalism. Consequently, they are susceptible to weather damage, painting over by others, or being sold to private collectors and galleries.
Many of Banksy's pieces are tailored to specific locations, and imbued with contextual significance. For instance, the museum features a reproduction of an image depicting a young girl floating away while clutching balloons, originally painted on the West Bank barrier wall, which seemingly addressed the Palestinian plight.
Art and intellectual property attorney Leila Amineddoleh argues that moving such art indoors and imposing a $30 entrance fee not only changes its meaning but also undermines Banksy's core message.
Banksy has clearly expressed his disapproval of his work being utilized in this manner. Pest Control, the company overseeing Banksy's licensing, has openly denounced anyone profiting from the artist's creations on its website.
Moreover, in his Academy Award-nominated documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop" in 2010, Banksy criticized the commercialization of street art. Inside the museum, visitors can find a Banksy quote painted on one of the staircases, declaring "Copyright is for losers."
While many question why Banksy doesn't take legal action against museums like this, insiders suggest that the real concern stems from Banksy's desire to maintain his anonymity. "There’s this mystique around who he is, and if he destroys that mystique, maybe he would be destroying some of the value of his art," explained Amineddoleh.
Currently, the absence of a lawsuit allows the Banksy Museum to remain open as long as there is public interest.
