The videos on the Peteet website show that the presence of the wall and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict affects and motivates people world-wide to show their disapproval. Both the Send-a-Message group and Banksy are from outside the conflict, yet, are using graffiti to protest the wall and separation.
An idea also seems to be presented in the Banksy videos that those who use graffiti to make political statements are similar to superheroes. Elusive, these artists work under a false name and hide their face, are sought out by journalists, revered in the community, - and people continuously try to find out who is behind the signature.
Although I liked these videos, I do not feel that they represent the role of graffiti in the conflict accurately. The risks taken by the Palestinians and Israelis who are using graffiti as a protest are much greater than outsiders who have protection from other countries. The passion, the ideas of the Palestinians and Israelis who are using graffiti have different motivations than those who are not living with the separation day by day. Graffiti is an effective tool, yes, but I wish these videos had showed how they were effective for those directly involved.
I agree, the people who are suffering because of the occupation/conflict are running the risk of further suffering if they are caught encroaching on the wall with art.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a distinct difference between a Palestinian painting a wall and Banksy, for instance, but it is still necessary to get the international community involved to promote education on the topic.
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