Banksy b. 28 July 1974
27 14/25 x 27 14/25 in.
Banksy’s “I Fought the Law” (2004) is a witty, subversive print that showcases the artist’s trademark blend of dark humor and cultural remixing. Inspired by the title of the well-known punk anthem “I Fought the Law,” Banksy replaces the song’s rebellious spirit with an image that flips the idea of authority and resistance on its head.
The artwork depicts a police officer being ambushed by a young boy holding a slingshot, a classic David-and-Goliath scenario rendered in Banksy’s crisp black-and-white stencil style with a small burst of color. The piece comments on power dynamics, questioning who really holds control and highlighting the absurdity of modern policing and youth rebellion.
The unsigned edition, released in 2004, is part of Banksy’s early wave of print works that made his street-level satire widely accessible. It remains a sought-after example of his ability to turn a simple, iconic composition into a sharp critique of authority, youth culture, and the myths of defiance.
