Flying Copper (pink)
Flying Copper (pink)
Signed Print
Banksy
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Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 63
Year: 2004
Size: H 100cm x W 70cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Meaning & Analysis
Flying Copper (pink) is a 2004 screen print by Banksy featuring his smiley face motif, released in a signed special edition (with a pink background) of 63. Showing an armed British policeman in complete riot gear with an acid-house smiley face pasted over his own, the prints bear a coded, rebellious message.
Flying Copper is one of Banksy’s earliest and most iconic images known around the world. The print shows an armed British policeman in complete riot gear: machine gun, walkie-talkie, cuffs, helmet – with an insertion of a disarming ‘smiley face’ (synonymous with Britain’s ‘90s rave culture) and a pair of sprayed angel wings. The background is a block of bright, sky blue.
This print is a quintessential example of Banksy’s style featuring contrasting aesthetics - photo-realistic stencils combined with graphic features demonstrates the vast disparity between what we associate with the ‘smiley face’ (happiness), and what we associate with riot gear (fear and intimidation). The little angel wings on the policeman’s back accentuate an amusing juxtaposition between morality, truth, military control and intimidation. It is usual for Banksy to remind us to be sceptical and wary of authority figures abusing power and the police have been a frequent target of his critiques, such as in other works like Donuts, Chocolate and most famously Rude Copper.
Renowned British street artist, Banksy, is the enigmatic figure behind some of the most subversive works in the Urban Art scene. Despite his anonymity, the artists' disruptive stunts have not only gained him notoriety, but they have vocalised his stance on many social and political issues. As seen with the likes of Girl With Balloon and Napalm, Banksy uses his distinctive stencil technique to produce thought-provoking commentaries on challenging themes. The showcase of rebellion that lines his work has caused his secondary market value to soar in recent years, propelling him to the top of the Urban Art scene.
