Banksy "Fucking Copper" 1974

Lithograph, Fabriano Cotton Privilege heavyweight velin paper, 70 x 50 cm (sheet), limited edition, numbered in pencil 109/150, hand-signed in pencil under the composition, publisher's dry stamps: p.d." P.O.W. PRINTMAKING", l.d. graphic mark, on the back hologram "verification of authenticity".
Original certificate: editor - Gafiart UK,( stamp), confirming under the agreement of1971 ownership of the dies for the limited edition of 150 , confirms the signature of the author, and dry stamps .
Banksy is a British street artist who has gained international fame for his provocative and often politically engaged works. His works, mostly done in stencil techniques, can be found on the streets of cities around the world. Banksy is known for remaining anonymous, and his identity is still the subject of speculation today. His art often includes humorous graphics and symbols that are combined with slogans. The overall message of his works is anti-war, anti-capitalist and pacifist. Among his best-known works are "Balloon Girl," "Bomb Hugger," "Police Kids," "Pulp Fiction," and "Flower Thrower" or "Rat Love" or "Fucking Copper'.
Banksy's work titled Fucking Copper depicts a British policeman making a vulgar gesture - he shows his middle finger. The work is one of the most direct examples of the artist's anti-authoritarian message, which often criticizes power structures, conformity and police brutality. Fucking Copper attracts attention with its provocative pronunciation and austerity of style, highlighted by a minimalist stencil technique.
The policeman displaying the offensive gesture is an ironic reversal of the role of the representative of the law, who instead of being a symbol of order, represents rebellion and nonchalance against his own principles. Banksy here questions the moral legitimacy of authority, portraying it as potentially corrupt or indifferent to the needs of society. In particular, the work resonates with viewers critical of the excessive control and repressive actions of public institutions.
This characteristic Banksy style - contrasting black and white and stencil technique - gives the work a rawness and emphasizes its immediacy. Such works are part of Banksy's anti-system message and often leave space for the viewer to interpret them in relation to their own experiences and social observations.