Grappling Hook, 2017
Edition: 26
Acrylic and shellac on wood, painted polyurethane, aluminum, steel and rope with artist’s box, stencil spray paint on cardboard
60 x 47.6 x 35 cm (23 5/8 x 18 ¾ x 13 ¾ inches)
Length of the knotted rope: 440 cm (173 ¼ inches)
Stenciled “BANKSY” in red spray paint, lower right side
Signed and numbered /26 on the reverse
Military grade grappling hook and combination spiritual ornament
In 2017 Banksy opened The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. Both a political statement and functioning boutique hotel, it was aimed to attract attention to the struggles of the region by focusing on the division of two opposing sides of the separation wall.
Whilst the West Bank barrier not only divides two opposing regions and governments, it also divides two of the most holy sites in Christianity: The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine and The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Old Town Jerusalem, Israel.
The wall along Caritas Street in Bethlehem has a strong street art scene heavily influenced by anti-establishment and political sentiments pioneered by Banksy himself in his first series of stencils on the wall in 2006 and then later by global figures such as Blu and JR.
Grappling Hook is a powerful statement on this struggle and was the most iconic piece to emerge from the Walled Off Hotel intervention in Bethlehem. It was the only signed edition to be offered as part of this project and was also the first time Banksy had made his works for sale to the public since 2013, when he set up a small, anonymous pop-up stall in Central Park in New York as part of his 31 days in New York.
Auction Results
Grappling Hook sold only once at auction, at Sotheby’s online on 19 September 2019, for GBP 93,750 (USD 116,982).
Grappling Hook
Signed in black felt-tip pen and numbered 23/26 on the reverse
Sotheby’s online, 19 September 2019
GBP 93,750 (USD 116,982)
