Flying Copper
Unsigned Print

Flying Copper is one of Banksy’s earlier iconic image known around the world. The image depicts 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 street art style with the use of contrasting aesthetics such as 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 his 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 and most famously Rude Copper.