Banksy – Strawberry Donuts Print

Description

Banksy’s Donuts print is a fascinating piece of art that depicts a massive pink iced donut sitting atop a donut van, with a group of police escorts surrounding it. The artwork was first displayed in 2009 at Banksy vs. Bristol Museum. Following the unveiling, a screenprint was released in two flavours- strawberry and chocolate. Interestingly, only 299 prints were released for each flavour, an allusion to Krispy Kreme Donuts’ financial troubles in 2007 that resulted in the closure of 299 stores.

The artwork’s depiction of a motorcade of bikes brings to mind the accompanying entourage that often accompanies American heads of state. Additionally, it references the well-known gaffe made by former US President John F. Kennedy during one of his most famous speeches of the Cold War, delivered in West Berlin on June 26, 1963. Kennedy’s declaration of “Ich bin ein Berliner” was translated by some to mean “I am a donut” due to his Boston accent.

The fact that police escorts are assigned to guard doughnuts could indicate the widespread significance placed on sugary food items.

Banksy’s Donuts print is a work of art that marries biting satire and clever symbolism into a delectable delight.