Making a damn statement is really what Banksy is all about. His whole ethos is founded on the idea that art is supposed to challenge and provoke – now, you can literally own a new piece of his famous subversiveness.
The mysterious~~ artist’s famed ‘Walled Off’ Hotel in Palestine is set to open a gift shop and sell new works by the street artist for the first time in four years. The store will feature limited-edition crucifixes crafted into huge hooks, painted keyrings, and ornaments that are inspired by the hotel’s West Bank wall location.
You can head on over the website to check out the greyscaled and grim yet rather aesthetically pleasing pieces of merch that’ll sit comfortably amongst your Shepard Fairey pieces and rebellious manifestos of sorts, probably.
The ‘Walled Off Hotel‘ claims to have the ‘worst view in the world’. Sound like the ideal location for a romantic getaway? Perhaps not, but the history and story behind the hotel may entice you to stay the night.
In the truest Banksy style, his hotel is intended to spark conversation and possibly, incite some discomfort amongst those who visit. As symbol of the separation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the hotel is located in Bethlehem, directly opposite the West Bank wall – the physical divide between the two territories.
Although it’s filled with reminders of the regions intense history, the hotel has been extremely popular amongst tourists – the hotel only features 9 rooms that are constantly booked out. Booking prices range from $30 USD per night to $965, proving that he his first and foremost a man of the people.
Buying a Banksy work will usually set you back at least six-figures but, gift shop items start off at the cool price of $9 . The souvenir mug that reads ‘THE WORST VIEW IN THE WORLD’ (the perfect gift for your Mum this Christmas!) is captioned with the product description, “Many people have a view on the Palestine/Israel conflict. Ours is the worst. The perfect accompaniment to a disastrous hangover”. Edgy.
Banksy has dealt with the ongoing political tensions in the area within his work previously, most famously depicted in ‘Girl and a Soldier’ (pictured below). He has also vocalised his opinions on the division saying that separation barrier “essentially turns Palestine into the world’s largest open prison.”
Images via The Walled Off Hotel Instagram
