Banksy
Chocolate Donut (Signed), 2009
Screen print
22 x 29 7/8 in
56 x 76 cm
56 x 76 cm
Edition of 299
Series: Donuts
Copyright The Artist
Donuts (Chocolate) is a signed, editioned print of 299 copies released by Banksy in 2009.The work, a recurring theme in Banksy’s canon, takes aim at authority figures as he lines up stylised American cops as well as critiquing consumerism and multinational, fast food corporations. Banksy plays with the notion of the laziness and uselessness of the police as he demeans the force by showing them forming a motorcade around a donut van - a food snack typically associated with police. The huge donut, complete with colorful sprinkles, recalls the snack of another famous American icon Homer Simpson and his love of the sweet treat. Known for his humour, Banksy expertly blends semi-photorealistic policeman with an absurd giant chocolate donut. A strong, anti-authoritarian message runs through Banksy’s works and Donuts (Chocolate) is no exception. The message behind the work is clear even if the identity of the artist is not, power is an illusion and those who are in charge of maintaining it are no better or just than the average person on the street. In fact, in Banksy’s world, those who seek power are often the very less qualified to maintain it justly.
Banksy's Donut print series is a lesser-known but equally intriguing facet of the mysterious street artist's extensive body of work. This series, like much of Banksy's art, blends the everyday with the unexpected to create a thought-provoking statement. The Donut prints were released in two versions: Donut Chocolate and Donut Strawberry, each featuring a distinct color scheme.
In these prints, Banksy depicts a quintessential American police car with a giant donut resting on its roof. The image is rendered in Banksy's signature stenciled style, with a keen attention to detail and a characteristic blend of humor and social commentary. The police car is shown in a typical urban setting, but the absurdity of the oversized donut sitting atop it creates a striking and humorous image.
The Donut prints were released in limited editions and quickly became sought-after pieces in the art market. As with most of Banksy's work, the series is notable for its ability to convey deeper meanings through seemingly simple images, inviting viewers to ponder the underlying messages behind the whimsical facade.
Banksy's art is often characterized by its elusive and satirical nature, and the Donut series is no exception. Through this series, Banksy continues his tradition of challenging viewers to question and think critically about the world around them, using humor and irony as his tools of choice.
In these prints, Banksy depicts a quintessential American police car with a giant donut resting on its roof. The image is rendered in Banksy's signature stenciled style, with a keen attention to detail and a characteristic blend of humor and social commentary. The police car is shown in a typical urban setting, but the absurdity of the oversized donut sitting atop it creates a striking and humorous image.
The Donut prints were released in limited editions and quickly became sought-after pieces in the art market. As with most of Banksy's work, the series is notable for its ability to convey deeper meanings through seemingly simple images, inviting viewers to ponder the underlying messages behind the whimsical facade.
Banksy's art is often characterized by its elusive and satirical nature, and the Donut series is no exception. Through this series, Banksy continues his tradition of challenging viewers to question and think critically about the world around them, using humor and irony as his tools of choice.
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