The Man Who Stole Banksy (2018)

Directed by: Marco Proserpio | 93 minutes | documentary

The wall separating the Palestinian territories from the state of Israel features impressive street art, including the obscure and at the same time world-famous Banksy. No one seems to know who he is, but his work manages to attract attention everywhere, whether it’s the European flag on a wall in Dover or a work of art that self-destructs at auction. When this Banksy in Bethlehem paints an easel being controlled by an Israeli soldier, you can bet it’s going to stir controversy. Controversy that belongs to art, but can be disruptive in everyday life. Could be, because there are freethinkers and sharpeners.

Undoubtedly, there are also those who shrug their shoulders, but the first two groups dominate the debate. Interesting that the Italian documentary maker Marco Proserpio asks both Westerners and Palestinians of all kinds for their opinion. Interesting also that the Palestinians are divided. There are even Palestinian officials proud of the painting, but also furious reactions, and people making a profit from it. Understandable. Banksy does not make himself known, but has also made a painting of a Palestinian throwing a bunch of flowers instead of stones. So he cannot be denied any nuance.

Art is simply used by the viewer for his own right. It is somewhat unfortunate that well-founded explanations about art and context are lacking in this documentary, which was filmed with love for those involved – spectators or local residents. You gain admiration for Banksy and the debate he provokes, as well as an understanding of the fact that he prefers to remain unknown. The law is cynically ambivalent about street art. On the one hand, the artist breaks into someone’s property and may remove it, but whoever takes the wall as a whole steals a work of art. Hasn’t anonymity always been the essence of graffiti? Deal with it and let it be.