Amsterdam, Jan. 2, 2017 — It was out of luck that I found Banksy’s exhibition at Moco Museum. It was also out of chance in college that I watched the movie “Exit through the Gift Shop.” I was in love with the artist ever since.
I must admit that I wasn’t completely pleased to see his/her work at a museum instead of on the streets. But it was this or nothing. I assume his/ her exhibition will not be happening anytime soon in Korea where I live. How do I know? Well… Mr. Brainwash’s exhibition was on in Seoul a few weeks ago. They praised his work. I just don’t think it will be.
The world without art is really just ‘eh.’
The show tells one story how Banksy hired an old man to sell his/ her real spray paintings in the streets of New York at a really low price of around 40 USD. He sold only less than ten pieces that day. The whole bunch was worth 250,000 USD, if I remember it correctly. People didn’t know it was real and they just passed by cluelessly. It was a huge issue after it was revealed the art was really Banksy’s.
Here’s the catch. People were bummed out not because they wanted to own Banksy’s spray painting that badly. No, they wanted an expensive artwork for only 40 bucks.
Banksy is brilliant.
Art finds it value in what it’s saying, not in its price tag. Our voice is our superpower. It should be heard. Banksy celebrates life by pointing out what’s wrong.
After the show, I headed back to Central Station to meet a friend. We were planning on having the best apple pie in the world. I was looking forward to it.
I loved how they poured hot water into a cup full of peppermint leaves. It was delightful and the apple pie was happiness.
I took the time to send my family living in Indonesia a postcard. I’m glad I did that. I was able to share a happy moment with them. Next time, we will be somewhere magical together. I really hope that future is near.
Amsterdam marked my last day in Europe. I was in Eindhoven, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Souther part of Iceland and Amsterdam.
My whole trip was a slew of good luck. Each day was better than the last. There were times when I travelled alone and other times in a group. I met a lot of new friends.
This travel gave me some time to think. And, yes, I’m glad my passion lies in travel. I’m glad I appreciate everything big and small in life. Most of all, I’m happy to be me.
