Banksy is one of the most (at the same time least) known modern artists. Probably everyone have seen his work at least ones in the internet. And nobody knows the real name of the artist or his appearance.
 |
| Reading prison |
Mysterious artist creates street art, and it is usually based on a features of the concrete place. For example, his work "Reading prison" depicts escaping prisoner, descending on a rope made out of banded clothing, that transforms into the paper coming out of typewriter. Surely, the fact this graffiti have been made on the wall of a real prison makes it much more interesting and fun.
 |
| Better in then out |
Another example of his art being based on a location might be his work called "Better out then in", based on natural properties of a building, or "No future", based on someone's else graffiti.
 |
| No future |
But one of his grandest works might be "The Walled Off hotel" - a real hotel located in Bethlehem right next to the Israeli West Bank Barrier. It is known as a hotel with "the worst view in the world", direct sunlight goes trough windows only for 25 minutes a day and of course its place plays huge role in its meaning.
The hotel itself is a social comment on Israeli-Palestine conflict. All money earned from bookings goes to charity. Hotel's placing, design, and details, such as comments "local population suffers from lack of water" next to a shower - all of these are important components of final work.
 |
| Hotel entrance |
The place Banksy chose for the hotel is definitely not a tourist attraction. It is the part of the country visited only for religious purposes before. The hotel is surrounded by real people and their lives, most of tourists try not to think about. Living in this hotel should be not only interesting experience being in the place made by famous artist and fulfilled with art, but also a constant reminder of war, hunger, poverty and other strongly important topics.
Hotel also was created for Israel visitors, to show them life of Palestinian people.
 |
| "Real life" next to the hotel |
The Walled Off Hotel contains 10 rooms, each with its own unique design. Most of the rooms are made for one guest or a family, and cost a decent amount of money, but there is also a budgetary option with several beds and shared shower.
Room designs and artworks are also made to remind a guest about the conflict. Despite chic and comfy design that stands out from the surrounding place because of its brightness and convenience, graffiti, sculptures and paintings would never let a guest forget where and why they are.
 |
| Banksy's graffiti in one of the rooms |
It was really surprising to figure out there is a place like that. Who would think Banksy - the street artist - would create his own hotel in the middle of the conflict?
This place does not seem to be really comfortable to stay at, because of the surroundings and because of the hotel itself. But most probably that was the point.
Sensitive people who are concerned about world problems probably should never visit it, since it will make them feel themselves really bad. But for those, who is not that delicate, or who ignores such topics, and for those who adore Banksy's art - living in this hotel should be an interesting experience.
The Walled Off hotel is a huge art piece by its size and by its meaning. The fact is was actually built is mind-blowing, and social commentary it states is very meaningful. The whole idea is incredible, and, same as most of Benksy's works - sarcastic and topical.
 |
| Design of one of the rooms |
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий