The Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with only one copy in existence and a tumultuous history of ownership. Now, thanks to a loan agreement with digital art collective Pleasr, the album will finally be heard by the public at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Australia.
This rare opportunity to listen to the album comes with a catch, however. The listening sessions at MONA will be ticketed and free to attend, but only a curated 30-minute mix of the album will be played. The album will be played from a personalized Wu-Tang PlayStation 1 inside MONA’s recording studio, Frying Pan.
Jarrod Rawlins, MONA’s director of curatorial affairs, describes the album as possessing “mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances.” This sentiment reflects the aura of mystery and allure that has surrounded Once Upon A Time In Shaolin since its creation.
The album’s appearance at MONA is part of the museum’s upcoming exhibition “Namedropping,” which will explore themes of status, celebrity, and notoriety. Through its inclusion in this exhibition, the album will be able to be experienced by a wider audience and will continue to captivate listeners with its unique sounds and fascinating backstory.
Overall, the opportunity to finally hear Once Upon A Time In Shaolin at MONA is a rare and exciting event for fans of Wu-Tang Clan and music enthusiasts alike. The album’s long journey to this point highlights its significance as a cultural artifact and a symbol of artistic creativity and innovation.
