Art Story

Flying Copper is one of Banksy's signature early works, depicting an armed police officer. The policeman stands tall, but instead of the usual stern expression, his face is replaced by a bold, yellow smiley - a symbol drawn from the 90s acid house culture, exuding a playful, almost childlike simplicity. This smiley is paired with a strikingly contrasting symbol of force: an assault rifle and full-body armor. Sprouting from his back are angel wings, creating an eerie and almost absurd combination.
This surreal mix forces the viewer to question the boundary between 'peacekeeper' and 'militant force.' The smiling face conceals the harsh reality of control, oppression, and authority, offering a sharp critique of how those in power often mask their true intentions with a friendly exterior. Flying Copper urges us to remain wary of those who hold too much authority, reminding us that sometimes the most threatening figures wear the friendliest faces.
This work debuted at Turf War a warehouse in East-London during Banksy's first major exhibition there in 2003.