On 3 December, there were two street art pieces unveiled. The first depicts two angels trying to open the segregation wall with a crowbar. Supposedly, it was painted some days ago but hidden from the public eye with a banner. The second one is a text-based stencil with a sharp message in the centre of Bethlehem.
The Walled Off Hotel presents The Alternativity, a play directed by Riham Isaac and Danny Boyle. 3 December 2017
The Alternativity is an alternative Christmas play by UK director Danny Boyle and performer Riham Isaac. Premiered on 3 December at the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.
Banksy produced a brilliant documentary on the event:
Banksy commemorates the Balfour Declaration. 2 November 2017
The British government signed the Balfour Declaration on 2 November 1917, announcing support for establishing a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, then an Ottoman region with a minority Jewish population. It read:
“His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.”
Banksy commemorated the Balfour declaration with an apology on the segregation wall a few meters from his Walled Off Hotel and a small ceremony with a Queen Elizabeth impersonator.
An official statement from Banksy read:
“This conflict has brought so much suffering to people on all sides – it didn’t feel appropriate to ‘celebrate’ the British role. The British didn’t handle things well here. When you organise a wedding,” referring to the promise of a Jewish national homeland in Palestine, “it’s best to make sure the bride isn’t already married.”
Inside the Walled Off Hotel is an interesting museum on the situation created by the Balfour Declaration, curated by the Banksy team and Dr Gavin Grindon from Essex University.
Two new pieces at the Barbican centre. 17 September 2017
Two new Banksy murals have appeared on the walls of the Barbican Centre in London. Both pieces were confirmed on 17 September on Banksy’s Instagram account. The first piece depicts Banksy’s version of Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump by Basquiat. The second motive is possibly comparing the Basquiat exhibition with the London Eye tourist attraction. Jean-Michel Basquiat started his career as a street artist in New York.
Banksy’s announcement reads:
“Major new Basquiat show opens at the Barbican – a place that is normally very keen to clean any graffiti from its walls”
Photos: Banksy’s Instagram
Banksy contributes to Art the Arms Fair. London, 11 September 2017
Banksy’s critique of the military-industrial complex is a child’s drawing where part of the story is told outside the frame. The piece connects two recent Banksy pieces: the stick figure and her/his house from the Bristol street art piece in June 2016 and the three drones above Jesus Christ at the Walled Off Hotel.
Banksy posted the piece on Instagram today with the following announcement:
“My contribution to the Art the Arms Fair exhibition, which opens opposite the world’s biggest arms fair – held this week in London”
Gift shop opened at Walled Off Hotel. 7 September 2017
Banksy published two new pieces on Instagram today together with the following announcement:
“Opened a gift shop today – situated at the back of the Walled Off Hotel. Not to be confused with the “Banksy shop” next door – which has nothing to do with me at all. Hand painted mini souvenir separation walls now available. http://www.walledoffhotel.com”
The description of the piece to the right goes like this: “Military grade grappling hook and combination spiritual ornament. All proceeds stay in the local community.”
Photos: Banksy’s Instagram
New post-election oil. 10 June 2017
Banksy posted a new oil painting, United Kingdom, on his Instagram account. Banksy’s comments on the current UK political situation have been ongoing since the Dover mural in May.
New print release canceled. 6 June 2017
Due to legal issues, Banksy announced this morning on www.banksy.co.uk that he is cancelling the promotion of a free print for voting against the Tories.
On 3 June, Banksy announced a new print release, a version of the iconic Girl with Balloon, only available to registered voters in the Bristol area who vote against the Conservative party. It would have been Banksy’s first regular print release since Choose Your Weapon in 2010.
The Election Souvenir Special announcement on 3 June:
The Election Souvenir Special was cancelled three days after, on 6 June:
Screenshots from http://www.banksy.co.uk and Banksy’s Instagram
Donald Trump (almost) visits the Walled Off Hotel. 23 May 2017
Donald Trump’s visit to Bethlehem was announced on Banksy’s Instagram account on 24 May 2017. The picture of the presidential suite and the video clip of the Trump motorcade were removed a week later.
Brexit mural in Dover, UK. 7 May 2017
Banksy’s take on Brexit comes at a contentious time for European politics: the UK is currently undergoing a general election that will determine the relationship with or without the EU. At the same time, France is deciding on its European future on the other side of the Channel, only 80 km away. Confirmed by Banksy’s Instagram account on 7 May 2017.
Photos: @banksy
Banksy unofficial 