Police Kids

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4 colour screenprint on wove paper

50 x 70 cm 

Edition of 350 Signed - 350 Unsigned

Police Kids, also known as Jack and Jill, portrays two innocent, carefree, and seemingly happy children running together. At first glance, the image appears picturesque and innocent until the viewer sees their bulletproof vests with “POLICE” emblazoned in capital letters across their chests. The children seem to be running and floating within a blocked sky blue background, giving a sense of absolute liberty. Furthermore, the dark blue background gives a feeling of freedom, yet the children are wearing bulletproof police vests. A classic subversion technique employed by Banksy to let the viewer know that all is not always what it seems to be. The jarring aesthetic of children in bulletproof police jackets is at odds with the supposed freedom and innocence of childhood.

As it is often the case, this work leads to many different interpretations. It could be referring to the fact that some overbearing parents feel the need to over-protect their children and don’t let them be who they want to be. More widely, one could see a possible metaphor for the way in which law enforcement is restricting people’s freedom.