Massive Attack have revealed they will be soundtracking the next exhibition from mysterious stencil king Banksy.
The Bristol band – who have been subject to rumours concerning Banksy for some time now – will be joining the likes of Nine Inch nails, Jans Zimmer and Flea who have all offered pre-recorded sets for the coming exhibition.
Banksy is always one to do the unconventional, to go against the grain so to speak, and it seems like he’s done just that with his newest venture. The visual artist’s latest project is an art hotel and gallery in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem. That’s right, you’ve heard correctly, under an army watch tower and across the street from the concrete wall Israel has built in parts of the occupied West Bank (which Banksy has utilised as a canvas from time to time), Banksy has opened a guest house.
In the birth town of Jesus, the Walled Off hotel stands three storeys high. Unlike other hotels, the Walled Off boasts the “worst view of any hotel in the world”, with every room overlooking the barrier which symbolises oppression for the Palestinians who regard it as an “apartheid wall”. Its bedroom walls and hallways have been decorated with the mysterious artist’s stencil graffiti work, often detailing provocative images that are sure to shock and amuse their intended audience. One shows an Israeli soldier and masked Palestinian youth having a pillow fight.
In a statement, Banksy revealed that the converted pottery workshop has been styled to resemble “an English gentlemen’s club from colonial times”, in acknowledgement of the historical role Britain played in the Middle East. The hotel features its own art gallery and an exhibition dedicated solely to the wall, which features contributions from Palestinians and Israelis.
So if you’re ever making the pilgrimage, be sure to check out a truly unique hotel experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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