I’m not particularly into traditional art. But when art meets pop music, you can count me in.
During my trip to London, like any good tourist, I visited lots of museums. However, hundreds of rooms with classic art or historic objects can’t really keep my attention. Are we supposed to look carefully at every piece? Sorry, I don’t have time for that, nor do I feel the need to make time when there’s so much more to see in a city like London.
Yet, there was one museum I did enjoy visiting. And I spent quite some time there. I’m talking about the Moco Museum.
It’s not the biggest museum, but the interior is so fun and soothing, that I actually did want to look at every single work of art. Plus, it was relatively calm when I visited, which was a nice change compared to The British Museum.
Not only does the Moco Museum display works of Banksy, they also have a collection of Robbie Williams, called Radical Honesty. Apparently the singer already displayed two other collections before that one: Pride & Self-Prejudice in Moco Amsterdam and Confessions of a Crowded Mind in Moco Barcelona.
Radical Honesty is exactly what it sounds like. It involves lots of texts that are indeed radically honest.
Like these works of art about socials gatherings:
Or this chair, I would’ve sat on if I had been sure that was allowed:
Look, that way art suddenly becomes more interesting. It shows the artist’s character and, on top of that, it resonates with a large audience, including me. The same way Robbie Williams’ music has that power.
This is an entirely different approach than the one used by paintings of, for example, Botticelli and Rubens. Of course these painters were talented, I’m not disputing that. And yes, some paintings include deeper messages, often intertwined with religion. But I’m not one to worship history.
In today’s age, I want to resonate with and feel seen by art, whether that’s a painting, a book or a song. And I think the Moco Museum understands that need very well.
Written by Nikita
Nikita – founder of Nikita’s World – is a Belgian author of feminist feelgood & a journalist specialized in pop culture and the creative industry.