Stop and search by Banksy features the famous childhood character of The Wizard of Oz Dorothy aside a policeman dressed in riot gear examining the contents of her wicker basket. Typical of Banksy, the artwork features contrasting motifs, the innocence of Dorothy juxtaposed with the stern, authoritarian policeman. The limited edition print can read as a commentary on the controversial stop and search legislation introduced by the UK government in the 80’s which has courted controversy over its supposed unfair targeting of minorities.

The work is printed in black and white with the element of colour introduced through the blue of the policeman’s gloves. The surgical, clinical nature of the policeman inspires fear in Dorothy who looks distressed as the policeman conducts the search. A bystander devoid of agency, the young girl is unable to assert herself and is powerless against the state embodied by the policeman. Children are a typical motif used by Banksy, think Girl With Balloon, Napalm and Girl with TV to name a few, and can be associated with innocence, youth and childhood. Toto, her dog, stands by his owner and could be read as loyalty and companionship - supporting her owner in this troubled scene.