Expect to see Banksy at the World Travel Market trade fair in London, November 2018
Banksy announced that The Walled Off Hotel would be represented at World Travel Market in London in November 2018, bringing the political and visual language of his Bethlehem project into one of the international travel industry’s major trade events. The installation was created for the Palestine stand at ExCeL London and centred on a replica of the West Bank separation barrier.
Banksy revealed the plans through Instagram, describing the appearance as his first ever stall at a trade fair and inviting visitors to find The Walled Off Hotel at the Palestine stand on 6 and 7 November.
“Opening my first ever stall at a trade fair next week. I’ve painted a replica separation barrier to promote the Walled Off hotel, ironically the neighbours have complained it’s too tall. We’ll be at the Palestine stand giving away free stuff, World Travel Fair, London Excel centre 6th and 7th November. Free to get in if you register online today and pretend to be a travel agent.” Banksy
Banksy Brings The Walled Off Hotel to London
Banksy created a replica section of the separation barrier to promote The Walled Off Hotel, which had opened in Bethlehem in March 2017 close to the West Bank barrier. By placing imagery associated with restriction and divided territory inside an international travel fair, the installation brought an uneasy irony to an event centred on tourism, destinations and freedom of movement.
The replica incorporated two cherubs attempting to prise open the wall with crowbars, returning to imagery Banksy had introduced in Bethlehem during Christmas 2017. Explore Banksy’s Cherubs and Peace on Earth Christmas works in Bethlehem.
From Bethlehem to World Travel Market
The appearance extended Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel project beyond Bethlehem, carrying the imagery of the separation wall into the commercial environment of an international tourism fair.
The World Travel Market installation also forms part of Banksy’s much wider relationship with Bethlehem, the West Bank and Gaza. Explore the complete guide to Banksy’s art in Palestine.
World Travel Market 2018
For the historical record, World Travel Market London took place at ExCeL London from 5 to 7 November 2018, with Banksy promoting The Walled Off Hotel at the Palestine stand on 6 and 7 November.
ExCeL London
Royal Victoria Dock
1 Western Gateway
London E16 1XL
UPDATE: The following week, GraffitiStreet visited the Palestine stand at ExCeL London and documented the completed installation and the attention it attracted. See Banksy place Palestine on the travel map at World Travel Market 2018.
Discover Banksy
Explore Banksy artworks at GraffitiStreet or contact Banksy specialist Rosh Boroumand for availability, sourcing and acquisitions.