Banksy - Stop and Search (2007)

Banksy (born around 1974) is the most enigmatic and influential British artist of the contemporary scene. His practice has redefined the very concept of street art, bringing the visual language of graffiti and stencil from the streets into museums and the world’s most prestigious private collections. Ironic, provocative, and deeply political, Banksy blends social satire with visual poetry, transforming immediately readable images into universal reflections on power, justice, and freedom. The anonymity surrounding him is an integral part of his artistic identity: an act of self-determination that amplifies the aura and symbolic strength of his work.

Stop and Search delivers a sharp critique of British “stop-and-search” laws, depicting Dorothy and her dog Toto — the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz — being searched by a police officer. The artwork offers a biting reflection on control practices, systemic racism, and the loss of innocence. Through the use of universally recognizable characters, Banksy subverts traditional associations, contrasting Dorothy’s childlike purity with the bureaucratic coldness of authority.

The result is an image of strong visual and symbolic impact, capable of turning a fairy tale into a powerful act of social commentary.