BANKSY, RUDE COPPER, UNSIGNED SCREEN PRINT EDITION OF 250, 2002
When Banksy created the Rude Copper mural, it featured two British police officers, sticking their middle fingers up at the viewer. The duo makes for an incredibly striking and impactful work of street art on the London street where it first appeared. In 2002, Banksy released Rude Copper as an unsigned print of 250, though in the print only one of the two policemen appear. The print is an entirely black and white design with very little detailing. 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. Donuts is another such print, formulating a more light-heartedly humorous, tongue-in-cheek critique on the police.
Read more about Rude Copper by Banksy.
ABOUT BANKSY
Banksy is undoubtedly the world’s most sought-after and talked about street artist, his work represents his political and social commentary on the world, and has appeared on city walls throughout it – from London to New York, from Jamaica to the Gaza Strip.
Banksy is not only known for his high profile murals, he has been releasing limited edition prints for many years, produced in various formats, including signed and unsigned works, as well as artist proofs and gift prints. However, only a very select number of people know exactly what the elusive street artist creates and how many he releases. Some editions, for example, are only made available to VIPs, collectors and friends of Banksy’s who are part of the much-coveted inner circle. This has only made the demand for his limited edition silkscreen prints and artists proofs in circulation, grow in popularity year on year. Learn more about street artist Banksy.
