About Donuts (Chocolate)

Donuts (Chocolate) depicts an American police van with a chocolate glazed donut on top of the vehicle. A group of five police officers on motorcycles is seen around the car, introducing a link between symbols of consumerism and modern structures of control and power.

Broader Context

The overlapping realms of consumerism and police control in the print invite a variety of interpretations. The overwhelming size of the donut and its playful presence on top of the car diminish the notion of authority vested in the police. The visual choice suggests that actions of the police aren’t headed in the right direction as they often serve the needs of political bodies rather than everyday people. A symbol of indulgence and self-fulfilment, Banksy’s donut adds a critical overtone to the setting, presenting order enforcement as a process adjusted to the comfort of the society’s elite circles.

What’s unique about Donuts (Chocolate)

The Donuts series shifts our understanding of authority and power: it calls into question the American heads of state and their political agendas, exposes the inherent violence of law enforcement and, ultimately, mocks fast-food giants and chains. This series, available in two colorways – Strawberry and Chocolate – made its debut following a sprayed canvas release.