Flying Copper by Banksy

Flying Copper by Bansky appeared in 2003 on canvas, and Contemporary Art Traders estimates that there are 150 editions of the piece available. The work depicts an armed police officer in riot gear with a smiley face in the place where the officer’s head would be and a set of disproportionately small angels’ wings, creating a sense of irony and tension. The figure is set against a light blue similar to the official color of the United Nations. Some commentators have suggested that his use of color and conflicting imagery is criticism of the United Nation’s ability to keep peace.