Controversial artist Banksy creates artworks with Gaza debris for benefit of Philippine charity

MANILA, Philippines — Controversial UK artist Banksy, whose real identity is still a mystery, has created limited-edition artworks with debris claimed to hail from war-torn Gaza, from which proceeds are pledged for a Philippine non-government organization. Since “Banksy Universe,” a collection of the graffiti artist-activist’s works, was opened last May 7 in The M (Metropolitan Museum) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, it has been raffling off a limited number of artworks for a “discounted” price of P68,000 per piece to prospective buyers.  Proceeds from the artpieces, said The M, would be donated to ChildHope Philippines Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization caring for street children like those in Tondo, Manila. The lottery is done every two weeks until the exhibit ends in November, and those interested to join are asked to log in their names and contact numbers in a registration table inside the exhibition. If the winner changes his or her mind and is no longer willing to buy a piece, the slot would be raffled off again. The artwork being raffled off shows a black-and-white sketch of kids enjoying a swing ride, juxtaposed against a war-torn environment. It is inspired by Banksy’s 2015 installation “Dismaland,” a “bemusement” park...