Metropolitan Museum of Manila released a teaser of its collaboration with Bristol-based artist Banksy.
The museum posted a teaser of “Banksy Universe Manila 2024” with a drawing of a young girl reaching out for a heart shaped balloon on a white canvas.
The teaser read: “Spraying soon. ‘Art is not a crime.’ #BanksyUniverse #BanksyUniversePH.”
Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon” was earlier renamed “Love is in the Bin” by the artist’s studio Pest Control after it was shredded during a live auction at Sotheby’s in 2018.
Long-time fans of the controversial street artist have pondered over this collaboration as the anonymous Banksy is known for not being represented by any gallery or institution.
The only body that has permission to use and license Banksy’s art is his company, Pest Control Office, which the artist himself manages.
“Only Pest Control Office have permission to use or license my artwork. If someone else has granted you permission, you don’t have permission. I wrote ‘copyright is for losers’ in my (copyrighted) book and still encourage anybody to take and amend my art for their own personal amusement, but not for profit or making it look like I’ve endorsed something when I haven’t. Thanks,” the artist said on his official website.