Banksy – Stop & Search

Banksy’s Stop and Search (2007) is a striking monochrome work that cleverly critiques the absurdity of the UK’s stop-and-search practices, particularly as they came under scrutiny in the mid-2000s. Drawing inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, Banksy fuses classic storytelling with social commentary to highlight the imbalance of power and authority in modern policing.

At the heart of the composition stands Dorothy, accompanied by her loyal dog, Toto. Opposite her is a uniformed police officer, notable for his blue latex gloves—the only splash of colour in the image, a subtle nod to Dorothy’s iconic gingham dress. The officer holds Dorothy’s basket, baton on hip, his riot shield raised to reveal a calm, self-assured expression.

Dorothy, in contrast, appears visibly uneasy—tense, fists clenched, and her gaze fixed on the basket—suggesting a moment of disbelief or discomfort. Toto, meanwhile, remains composed, adding a touch of irony and stillness to the otherwise charged scene. The artwork captures the tension and complex power dynamics between state authority and individual innocence.

Released at a time when stop-and-search powers were being widely criticised—especially for their disproportionate impact on Black and Asian communities—Stop and Search reflects the public’s growing concern over the misuse of these tactics under anti-terror legislation. Banksy’s reimagining of a childhood icon being subjected to such scrutiny underscores the invasive and often indiscriminate nature of these practices.

This limited-edition print is part of a series of 500 signed works, making it a highly coveted piece among collectors. With its layered narrative, visual tension, and cultural relevance, Stop and Search remains a powerful example of Banksy’s ability to blend satire with serious social critique.