The wall has been used as a canvas for many paintings and writings. It has been called "the largest protest banner in the world". Some of these (but not all) have been removed by the Israelis, and sometimes by people on the Palestinian side.

Graffiti on the Palestinian side of the wall has been one of many forms of protest against its existence, demanding an end to the barrier, or criticizing its builders and its existence. In August 2005, the U.K. graffiti artist Banksy painted nine images on the Palestinian side of the barrier.  He describes the barrier as "the ultimate activity holiday destination for graffiti writers", and returned in December 2007 with new images for "Santa's ghetto" in Bethlehem.