A contemporary art gallery in New York opened an unauthorized show of works by England-based renegade graffiti artist Banksy on Aug. 25 that has incensed art critics, Banksy fans and residents of the West Bank in the Middle East.

At least two works attributed to Banksy were apparently cut from walls in Bethlehem and eventually lugged all the way to the Hamptons on Long Island for the show.

The gallery showing the swag — the Keszler Gallery — supposedly worked in association with London-based BankRobber Gallery in obtaining the Banksy pieces. They were featured as part of the Santa’s Ghetto show that the artist hosted in the West Bank in 2007 to promote Palestinian peace and tourism.

Watch how the pieces were removed, transported and restored in the video below.

West Banksy (part 1) from Justin Sutcliffe on Vimeo.

Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig