When one thinks of questioning the norms that make up society the concept is often overlaid onto the very institutions that uphold said norms. Indeed, a social institution is an interrelated system of social roles and social norms, based around the satisfaction of an important social need or social function. Law, order, hierarchy, governance and identity are just a few deep concepts that we can all easily pick out. Looking through Banksy’s works there are recurring motifs of such institutions that are brilliantly called into question and played with by the artist.
Rude Copper
A representation of authority across the globe, the police are often subject to ridicule and subversion by Banksy, In Rude Copper, the officer raises his middle finger with an arrogant look upon his face, wearing an old-fashioned custodian helmet, introduced into the British police force in 1863. Although still worn today, this garment is largely considered to be the staple of the old ‘Bobby on the Beat’, a local, friendly neighbourhood copper, who is a sharp contrast to the actions of the officer in the image. Banksy’s scathing opinion of authority and law enforcement can be seen across much of his artwork, and this is no exception. Buy Rude Copper print by Banksy.
Jack and Jill (Police Kids)
Innocence and childhood can be seen in many Banksy pieces and Police Kids is no exception. Here we see an interplay between harm, protection and wanting to protect children. Are we protecting our children yet causing the same harm from which we wish to protect them? Here we can interpret the work as authority being the parent figure and the police riot jacket a representation of authority too. Why the vests? An unknown threat is brought into the picture creating an immediate tension within the viewer. Contrasting with the smiles and youth of the subjects, we eerily wonder what the children need protecting from. Is it the outside, wicked world where the viewer inhabits? Could it be that the children will soon become adults, their views and innocence soon to be destroyed? As always, Banksy paints a powerful image that we alone are left to decipher, Buy Banksy Police Kids print.
Monkey Queen
One of the key representations of institution and hierarchy in British society, the monarchy is, perhaps, engrained within the British psyche. A street mural of the work appeared stencilled outside the London club Chill Out Zone which was subsequently removed by the authorities for Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee which marked the 50th anniversary of her coronation. Toying with the notion of rule and adherence to rule, Banksy evokes Darwin and pokes fun at the Queen through questioning her image and right to rule. Offset by a symbol of `1960s counterculture, the image is overlaid onto a Lambretta RAF badge that was synonymous with the Mods of the swinging sixties. Buy Monkey Queen print by Banksy.
Queen Vic
As with Monkey Queen the monarchy - and by default its intrinsic sense to the national identity and history of the UK - is questioned by Banksy. The monarch, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, wears a crown and carries a sceptre whilst the lady underneath is sprawled in stockings and suspenders. Created in the typical stencil style for which the artist is known, the red background adds an eye-catching contrast to the jet black and white outlines of the two principal figures.Here we see Banksy’s thinly veiled attack on the establishment through a subversive use of imagery and humour creating a piece with exceptional shock value. The Queen, representing power and control, subjugates and suffocates her unfortunate victim which could represent the lower classes. Buy Queen Vic by Banksy.
Flying Copper
Flying Copper shows a riot policeman dressed in full combat gear equipped with a machine gun, helmet and walkie talkie. However, inhabiting the place of the character’s face is a large, round yellow (or pink) smiley face which is commonly associated with the Acid-house movement of the early 90’s. The paradoxical figure challenges the notion of a threatening police state with the subversive use of the cartoonish and childish face. The use of the Acid-house smiley can also be seen in other Banksy works such as Grin Reaper and Have A Nice Day. Disarming our notions of an aggressive and overreaching policeman, Banksy can be seen to be attacking the establishment and mocking the perception of power that such arms of the state have conferred on them through our social contract. Buy Flying Copper print by Banksy.
Have A Nice Day
Dressed in all black riot gear, the group, in unison, approach the unknown threat and face towards the viewer. The faces of the police, in contrast to the realism of their uniforms, weapons and the vehicle are replaced with the acid house smiley face which challenges and subverts our expectations. Intimidating or amusing? Both, perhaps? Banksy uses his wit to entice the view to mock and ridicule the establishment whilst questioning the authority that is given to such figures of power and control. With a smaller than average signed and unsigned edition sizes and typical Banksy social commentary, Have a Nice Day is a popular choice for collectors seeking a rarer and lesser known Banksy print. Buy Have a Nice Day print by Banksy.
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