Banksy, Stop & Search (West Bank Wall, Palestine, 2007), Keszler Gallery (Southampton, NY), Card, 2012
$150
Size: 7.5 x 7.5 inches
“In August 2005, Banksy visited Palestine where he painted with his team 7 large murals on the West Bank Wall also referred to as the Segregation Wall. Banksy’s feelings about the barrier are made explicit in a statement which says the wall ‘essentially turns Palestine into the world’s largest open prison.’
Several years ago, a group of Palestinian entrepreneurs purchased the work from the butcher who owned the wall it was painted on and planned to sell it on eBay. Keszler acquired it from them. “In a perfect world, as per the wishes of the artist, the works would always be at their purest when they remain site-specific, but the harsh reality is that very few pieces survive,” added Keszler. “They would have absolutely been destroyed in Palestine.” Needless to say, this exhibition was controversial. Stop and Search was priced at $450,000.
