Donuts, Strawberry

Donuts, Strawberry is a screen print on paper and a limited edition to 299 and features a pink strawberry donut covered in sprinkles. It was followed by a Donuts, Chocolate edition with the same chocolate donut atop an American police van. The blue and red pops of colour representing the flashing lights of the police vehicles are among the few splashes of colour in the artwork. The giant donut on top of the police van could represent Banksy’s ironic commentary on police values: in America, the police are stereotyped and ridiculed for their love of coffee and donuts (such as in the popular adult cartoon, The Simpsons). This artwork could be a satirical suggestion that the police prioritise the safety of their snacks (or their benefits, generally) over the safety of their prisoners.

Alternatively, the image could have a broader meaning, if we view the police as mere 'enforcers', perhaps they are protecting the very essence of capitalism and commercialism, represented by the donut. It is rare for Banksy to create a piece that doesn’t have some form of social, environmental, or political message. The police are a frequent subject of ridicule for Banksy, such as in his notorious Rude Copper work.