From murals and mosaics to digital art and politically-charged posters, let’s examine the reactions of street artists from various corners of Europe to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The history of wars and conflicts has always been a wellspring of inspiration for artists, influencing their creativity and leaving a lasting imprint in works of art such as Picasso’s “Guernica,” Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People,” and the poetry of Wilfred Owen.
The ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the unprecedented bloody clash between Israel and Hamas, leaves its mark not only on the streets worldwide but also in the hearts and minds of people.The European continent is home to highly talented street artists, from the British cultural icon Banksy to the Italian muralist Blu, who have expressed their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through their works for years.
So how do European street artists comment on the recent escalation of the conflict? Let’s explore a few examples from different parts of the continent.
- „Another World is Possible” (London, UK)
Few can effectively provoke a societal reaction and capture the media’s attention like the controversial artist Banksy. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the appearance of a Banksy-style mural on Edgware Road in London in October sparked a heated discussion and drew the attention of fans and the media.
The mural depicts three figures operating a robotic arm, accompanied by the inscription “Another World is Possible.” While the style is undoubtedly reminiscent of Banksy, it still raises the question of whether the elusive Bristol artist is the creator of this work. Or perhaps, it is more of a commentary on the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on our society rather than a commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Answers to these questions are still elusive, making this mural remain a mysterious piece that sparks much speculation.
2. “#ResistTheOccupation” (Naples, Italy)
Eduardo Castaldo, a renowned photographer and artist, is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and frequently uses his artworks to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by people living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the Neapolitan activist quickly responded to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Last month, Castaldo reimagined the famous Nike advertising slogan “Just Do It” into a pro-Palestinian poster titled “#ResistTheOccupation.” He transformed basketball player DeMar DeRozan into a Palestinian street fighter, with his basketball turned into a Molotov cocktail.
However, the controversial work by Castaldo was swiftly removed by authorities, and he was fined 400 euros. Castaldo shared a video on Instagram in which he expressed his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
3. “God’s land grab” (Bergen, Norway)
A first glance at the mural created by the Norwegian street artist known as AFK may not immediately evoke associations with the war-torn Middle East. The delicate artwork, filled with flowers, painted on neoclassical doors in the heart of Bergen (Fosswinckels Gate), appears to be devoid of clear political connotations.
However, a closer examination reveals darker undertones. Barbed wire, damaged concrete slabs, and skulls form an image of suffering and destruction. Paint dripping from bright white lilies gives the impression that AFK’s mural is almost weeping, symbolizing both lost innocence and rebirth after turbulent times.
“God’s land grab,” created by AFK, was inspired by the work of Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian trauma specialist and Holocaust survivor. The mural was created at the end of 2022, but the artist changed its message on his social media in response to the conflict.
In his Instagram post, the artist provided detailed reflections on recent events in Israel and the Gaza Strip. He stated: “My thoughts are with the families affected by the conflict, and my heart aches for the innocent lives lost in this battle. Both historical and contemporary complexities underscore the need for open and respectful dialogue, a willingness to understand the roots of the conflict, and a deep awareness of the role that mental health plays in shaping our individual and collective world.”
AFK, short for “Away from [the] Keyboard,” is a Norwegian artist specializing in stencils and sculptures, active since 2013 in various European countries. As a staunch supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, his works are known for their strong political messages and are recognizable for vivid imagery, technical skill, and the intense use of pink and purple shades.
4. ”Peace & Love” (Ravenna, Italy)
Rarely do we hear about mosaics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Banksy mentioned in the same context. Yet, one Italian street artist has managed to achieve something that seems impossible. Giovanni Magnoli, known as “Refreshink,” is an Italian street artist active since the 1990s. In commemoration of Banksy’s iconic stencil “Flower Thrower” from 2003 on the West Bank, Refreshink decided to create his own version of “Peace & Love” in the form of a mosaic.
You can find Refreshink’s work at the Museum of Art in Ravenna, a northern Italian city renowned for its splendid Byzantine and Romanesque mosaics, as well as its annual mosaic exhibitions.
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