Knowledge or a boys club?

i am not. Remaining alongside.. 🌊

It's true. On the sell out of the cross. The other items they don't know when it's dropping. I was gonna go in December but I moved my trip forward in the hope to maybe buy something on the off chance, if nothing is available I don't mind as I get to go see it all. I'm a big fan of the work and not just collecting. 👌🙂❤️

Crucifix is 100 % sold out

Any of the other merch available Carl? 

Sent you a p.m earlier (not Banksy related)

They all cancelled their flights as there is no money to be made 😉

I said I'd update today - so here goes. Although I cannot really add much further information to everything that has already been written.

I arrived around 10am. Only postcard sets and T shirts available, news that Crucifix Grappling Hook has sold out, and that it was unclear when other items might go on sale in the Gift Shop. There were a few West Country accents in the bar / breakfast room - apparently there was a flight in from Bristol last night!

Some thoughts: 1. First of all, apart from the perhaps the manager, I'm pretty sure the kind hotel staff knew almost nothing about this launch (this would make sense) - and even now don't know the answers to questions being asked. I'm sure there are some disappointed visitors at the moment - and more on the way - but hope they appreciate this.

2. If these items are not being produced in Bethlehem itself - then I think it might be quite challenging getting them through Israeli customs, checkpoints and so on - especially in bulk.

-----

My favourite Banksy piece in the hotel is actually a stencil in "Wall Mart" next door - I'm not sure a stencil counts a piece of art, but I like it nonetheless - reminds me of the days Banksy graffiti would pop up along the Thames.

Ps. As I mentioned in my last post - whilst a keen fan - I didn't get into buying prints until around 2011. The first print I bought was 'Warning' by Invader at POW in the run up to Christmas. It was cold in the queue. I missed out on a silver edition but was happy with the grey. I stood next to this nice young guy who told me he was an aspiring young artist himself and showed me a couple of pieces of his work on his phone. I was impressed and wished him well. We never met again. His name was Carl Cashman. :-) 

Either way, if youre going then enjoy the trip, is a beautiful place with the friendliest people ive ever met. As an art pusher i shouldnt say it but theres more to life than art ✌

Why post them on the website when they aren't even there?

I guess the sale ends today on that crucifix but you can't blame people to follow their dreams even when they have been cancelled. But who knows POW / Walled Off Hotel will probably bring trolleys full on Monday morning and they will be an instant sell out. However god help those going back home through airport security when they get stopped and searched.

Does anyone feel that the grappling hook and little walls are tacky?

When one reaches a certain level of success, there's no reason to continue. You can't top what made you and there are too many who just look to profit from your popularity. What's the point?

Still focusing our discussion on the art itself, here's a concise alternative take on the possible concept:


Although distinct from notions of evidence and truth, faith can offer some people the means to overcome what might otherwise feel like insurmountable obstacles in their lives.

I like your perceptions of this one met .  Very intriguing thoughts.  Not sure if its been a previous mention but my first thought was having to do with religions place in history as a catalyst to war (Although it is a common misconception that Religion is the leading cause of war it does certainly have its place).  The crucifix may be chosen not with the intention of representing Christianity or Catholicism , etc.. per se,  but because its is one one of the most recognizable religious symbols globally. I think it was Banksy describing this as "Military grade grappling hook" on his Instagram that made me look at it this way.