The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart will host the only pressed copy of Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” from June 15 to June 24, 2024.
Wu-Tang Clan’s Rare Album to be Showcased at Mona, Australia
You’ve probably heard about the Wu-Tang Clan‘s rare album ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin‘, haven’t you? The one famously bought by Martin Shkreli and now owned by PleasrDAO? Well, it’s about to be showcased at Mona in Tasmania. As part of the ‘Namedropping’ exhibition, you can experience a 30-minute mix of the album. The album’s journey, from its secretive creation to its controversial sale, offers a fascinating insight into the value of music in the digital age. But what does this mean for the future of music ownership and artists’ rights?
From the 36 Chambers to MONA
Diving into the history of ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’, you’ll discover it’s not your average album; recorded in secret over six years, this unique piece of music was transferred to a single physical copy in 2014, with its digital masters destructed, making it a truly rare artifact. Every living member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan and even Cher contributed to this extraordinary project, which was then barred from commercial release for a staggering 88 years.
Then, you’ll find the acquisition saga. In 2015, the controversial Martin Shkreli bought the album for $2 million. However, due to his securities fraud conviction, a federal court seized it in 2018. Fast forward to 2021, and the album found a new home with Pleasr, a cryptocurrency collective, who bought it for double Shkreli’s price.
Now, Pleasr has loaned the album to Mona for the ‘Namedropping‘ exhibition, running from June 2024 to April 2025. Here’s your chance to hear a 30-minute mix of the album, curated by Mona’s Director of Curatorial Affairs, Jarrod Rawlins.
Free tickets for these listening sessions were available to be reserved online starting May 30, but the waitlist has been closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the Digital Master of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin Destroyed?
The digital master of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” was destroyed to maintain its rarity and uphold its unique status. It’s part of a protest against the devaluation of music in the digital age.
What Led to the Prohibition of the Albums Commercial Release for 88 Years?
The creators wanted to highlight its value as a unique piece of art, not just another mass-produced digital release.
What Factors Led Pleasrdao to Purchase the Album for Double Its Original Price?
They appreciated its cultural significance, scarcity, and unique story. Additionally, owning it gave them a unique opportunity to impact the music industry and gain prestige.
How Was Cher Involved in Once Upon a Time in Shaolin?
She’s featured on two tracks, though it’s not publicly known to what extent she contributed.
What Is the Significance of the Handcrafted Silver-Nickel Box That Houses the Album?
The handcrafted silver-nickel box that houses the album elevates its status. It’s not just storage; it’s a testament to the album’s uniqueness and rarity, signifying the value and artistry of the music it contains.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got to experience a slice of music history at Mona, Australia. Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ is there, ready to challenge your thoughts on music’s value in the digital age.
Don’t miss the chance to engage with this exclusive masterpiece. It’s a unique protest, a storied journey, and a rare opportunity all wrapped into one.
Go, be part of the ‘Namedropping’ exhibition.
It is good. Tasmania is superior to the rest of the world in every way imaginable so it makes sense that we get to hear it first, being the pre-eminent country of the developed world and everyone else looks to Tasmania for guidance and strong leadership internationally.