Banksy, a street artist and political activist, used his stencils and spray paint to disseminate political messages. The British artist focused his themes on cultural and political criticisms. Since he kept the details of his life unknown, people were fascinated when and where his next art piece would take place. He was able to turn his graffiti into high art pieces. He gathered the global community’s attention to causes he believed in. The Artist is no stranger to creating art pieces in or about Palestine. Despite his international fame, he has kept his identity anonymous. In the mid-2000s, Banksy created many identifiable art pieces in Gaza and the West Bank, which were dubbed ‘West Banksy’. From murals on the walls of destroyed homes in Gaza to a hotel in Bethlehem to giant stenciled pieces on the Segregation Wall, Banksy is the political artist of our generation.
Banksy traveled to the occupied Palestinian Territories and created a series of art pieces in 2005. Creating any form of art in Palestine is not an easy job, especially graffiti. Bansky’s spokesperson stated that Banksy was constantly harassed by the Israeli Security Forces. His work in Palestine carried the themes of seeking freedom, escapism, and criticism of the Israeli occupation.
Banksy’s Kitten in Gaza:
Amidst the rubble, ruins, and debris, people can see an unexpected figure. A art piece showcases a small white kitten accompanied by a cute red bow. This art gem spotlights Banksy’s genius. He adds a touch of amusement and beauty to a landscape of destruction. Banksy’s kitten is a nod of respect to Palestinian resilience and resistance. It reflects the chaos of the occupation and power of Palestine. In one art piece, he can capture the result of Gaza’s heartbreaking reality with a dash of humor.
Slingshot Rat
Banksy originally spray-painted the Slingshot Rat on Israel’s separation barrier in the West Bank to protest the occupation. It resurfaced in a Tel Aviv art gallery, which sparked a dialogue around the legality of stealing art from occupied land. Banksy sprayed the painting on a concrete block in Bethlehem in 2007. Pro-Israeli protesters targeted by pro-Israeli protesters who sprayed paint on the artwork and scrawled “RIP Banksy Rat” on the block. Palestinian residents cut out the painting and kept it in private residences until earlier last year.
Walled Off Hotel
The worst view in the world may not be a selling point for many hotels. But, it is the main selling point of the Walled Off Hotel. Its 10 rooms only get 25 minutes of sunlight a day. It sounds utilitarian and bleak, but this is the main point. It nestled against the wall separating Israel from the Palestinian territories. Its interior reflects the strong political themes it carries. The rooms range from uncomfortably lavish suites to water-splashed walls from a bullet-strafed water tank.