Art Story

I Fought the Law, also known as IFTL, is a daring reimagining of a violent moment from history, pulled from the video footage of John Hinckley's 1981 failed assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Reagan. In Banksy's take, the scene plays out with a twist: the man on the ground is not a would-be assassin, but a graffiti artist - pinned by law enforcement after scrawling the rebellious words "I Fought The Law And I Won" in bright orange paint on a wall behind him.
True to Banksy's style, this piece opens up a floodgate of interpretations. On one hand, it captures the inevitable fall of those who challenge authority. In contrast, it speaks to the defiance of the artist: though caught in the act, the message is already out. The artist's victory lies not in escaping capture, but in making a statement that can't be erased.
At its core, I Fought the Law unapologetically critiques authority, condemning the violence and heavy-handedness of those in power. It's a call to rebel and to question authority. The piece also subtly emphasizes how street artists, despite their often peaceful expression, are criminalized and treated with the same severity as any other lawbreaker.
This print's title and text reference the title of the song "I Fought The Law (and The Law Won)" by The Clash from 1979.