Having spent a couple of hours in the Bristol City Museum today, I think the answer to the question Banksy asks us (above) is 'not many'. As I listened to and observed people's reaction, the most frequent response to his new show was definitely laughter. There was a hint of anarchy and a frequent reference to the social comment we've been used to on the street, but the overwhelming feeling I got was that Banksy was having fun. Maybe having fun at the expense of the art world, the council, and maybe at himself. I applaud the museum for hosting the show, and even more so for the freedom Banksy clearly had with the curation. They have definitely opened their doors to a whole new set of art lovers.
The show is split into 4 main areas. In the first hall there are a number of large classical sculptures with very modern and amusing poses, all surrounding a burnt out ice cream van. The angel holding a cigarette and a lipstick-smeared can of beer made me smile, as did the stone lion who had eaten his tamer. A very safe introduction to the show.
In the second room was the more traditional Banksy work, with graffiti style painting and a stronger more challenging commentary to some of the content. There was enough work in his replica studio alone to spend an afternoon looking at, but time didn't permit. Some of the work was familiar in style and subject, with the inclusion of some interaction - many kids and Japanese tourists enjoyed poking their heads through the cut-outs of a seaside style take on a classical painting. I had to revisit this room once I'd satisfied my curiosity and excitement with a quick tour.
The third room was the biggest diversion from urban art and introduced animatronics in a zoo format with caged animals. Each cage or glass cabinet had a twist inside, some very obvious (like swimming fish fingers in a bowl) and some quite subtle and very life like - I found the monkey artist quite addictive to watch.
The remainder of the show was incorporated into the existing rooms and among the resident art work. This 'find the Banksy' was an event in itself and was causing great surprise and amusement among adults and children. Someone had to point out the penis in the stalagmite case to me! I won't tell you any more because half the fun is the discovery. For those with less time, or no sense of fun, there is a quick way to see them all (but I'll let you find that for yourself). And for those who can't get to see the show (although it's free and definitely worth the trip from almost anywhere), here are a selection of
photos.
I'm sure there will be many reviews commenting on the importance of this exhibition, the cross over of urban and fine art, the outrage of bastardising classical art or the hypocrisy of an artist who is now a part of the world he once ridiculed. I prefer to see it as a gift to Bristol from where it all began, and most importantly... to not take it too seriously.
