This Tuesday sees the auctioning of Banksy’s ‘Mediterranean Sea View’ a Triptych of reworked oil paintings, at Sotheby’s in London with all proceeds going towards local projects in Bethlehem like the a new acute stroke unit and to provide children’s rehab equipment in the local BASR hospital. Continuing the amazing contribution that this art project is making in Palestine.

Made by Banksy in 2017 and installed on the wall adjacent to ‘Rejection’ or for us lucky hotel guests Reception just inside The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.

I have been twice to The Walled off Hotel, of which I will tell more tales later, with Banksy Art you know you are going to get your senses tested when you see the work, the issue at the Walled off is there is so much to see! It’s a rush of feelings, leaving you feeling slightly numb but in a good way.

Once you have booked in at rejection you just stand and look around it’s a bit like being in a cake shop where there is so much to look at and take in but it’s hard to focus/choose what you want to look at, Everywhere you look there is an amazing piece of original art.

So you focus on this Triptych, first glance you see a set of 3 paintings depicting a lovely sea view, look deeper and it’s telling you a tragic story. I needed to sit and study this and think about it. I ordered Tea and scones with jam (yes we are in Bethlehem) whilst munching through my totally English cream tea the scene is now hitting me hard.

This is why I am here to instruct me why Art is so important and how the messaging and therefore the actions taken by us are key, we see here a horrendous crossing made by some very desperate Human Beings who seek safety from the situation they are fleeing.

They have been issued life jackets and taken to a hazardous/angry sea in most likely a crowded vessel that is barely fit for purpose with hope in their hearts. A very hazardous landing point laden with rocks awaits them….

Clearly it has not gone well, oars are strewn in the water and on the beach, we are left to contemplate how this story ended……… all those empty jackets.

On July 28th 2020 ‘Mediterranean Sea View’ was auctioned off by Sothebys selling for £2,235,000 with all proceeds being put towards projects in Bethlehem.