Banksy – ‘Banksy vs Bristol Museum’ David
£495
Medium: Offset lithograph in colors
Edition: Unknown
Size: approx. 42 x 59,5cm
Year: 2009
Description: Official poster for the ‘Banksy vs Bristol Museum’ 2009 exhibition
Condition: Very good
Description
Banksy’s “David” Poster is a commemorative poster of the original sculpture displayed at “Banksy versus Bristol Museum”. The exhibition ran for 11 weeks, from June 13th to August 31st, and featured more than 100 works of art that explored the themes of rebellion, politics, and social justice.
“David” by Banksy is based on the biblical story of “David and Goliath”, where David defeats the more powerful Goliath with a sling and a stone to the head. Banksy’s “David” sculpture is a modern interpretation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture, which was created between 1501 and 1504 and uniquely depicts David before his battle with Goliath.
The biblical figure of David was a popular subject in the art of Florence and was often depicted as a symbol of the city-state’s defence of civil liberties. In the early 16th century, the Republic of Florence was an independent city-state threatened on all sides by more powerful rival states and by the political aspirations of the Medici family.
Michelangelo’s David symbolises bravery and strength and embodies the ideal of civic virtue, which was highly valued in the Renaissance period. The statue represented the idea that citizens could rise to the occasion and defend their city-state against any threat, no matter how powerful.
Banksy’s “David” sculpture takes this historical context and adds a contemporary twist. By adding a bandana and an explosive bomb belt to the sculpture, Banksy creates a powerful commentary on the current state of political affairs and the need to stand up against oppression.
A similar statue, The Bust of David, is displayed in the ‘Piano Bar’ at the ‘Walled Off Hotel’ in Bethlehem near the separation wall that divides Palestine and Israel. The Banksy Hotel is famous for its thought-provoking art installations.
During “Banksy versus Bristol Museum”, four original posters were released to commemorate the Banksy vs Bristol Museum exhibition. The collection includes four official Banksy posters, each with its own unique design and message.
The posters are named after the featured artworks, including the Banksy vs Bristol Museum 2009 Hanging Klansman Poster, Banksy vs Bristol Museum 2009 Dorothy Poster, Banksy vs Bristol Museum 2009 David Poster, and Banksy vs Bristol Museum 2009 Riot Copper Poster.
These posters are a powerful reminder of the exhibition’s impact and the artist’s ability to captivate his audience with his bold and thought-provoking works.
The exhibition was a groundbreaking and thought-provoking experience that challenged traditional art and museum curation notions. Banksy’s unique perspective and artistic vision left a lasting impression on all lucky enough to witness a truly unforgettable exhibition.
For those who missed out, the trailer for Banksy versus Bristol Museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the exhibition’s captivating world.