Postmodernism + Remix

This postmodernist painting titled, Don’t forget your scarf, by Banksy is an example of how “the past always tries to control the future.” It shows how the mother is trying to influence her view upon her youth because of her own past experiences. Here, she is trying to protect her son by covering him up with a red scarf, while at the same time disguising his voice and distorting his opinions. One can only assume that she is the one doing the talking, expressing a subtle command that he has no way to refute.

The context of the painting becomes especially important because it is an ironic family portrait- meticulously embroidered with a glimpse of how two generations contrast but are joined together. It shows what is viewed as a socially acceptable youth compared to the display of the loving mother’s more ‘wholesome’ generation and attitude of the past. It therefore reveals the limitation of control of the past and the progression of the future.

This new cultural view is certainly “built on the past,” as the mother’s back is turned and is facing the new generation as if her own generation is disappearing. It shows how these two depend on each other to keep that cycle going.