▲ Banksy (b.1974)

▲ Banksy (b.1974) 'Police Riot Van' (Dismaland Gift Print) digital print in colours, signed 'BANKSY' and inscribed 'Thanks Siomara' 17.7 x 23.7cm, unframed Presented as a gift by Pest Control to the members of the Dismaland Bemusement crew and sold with accompanying staff lanyard and wrist bands. In 2015, Banksy unveiled 'Dismaland' - a theme park in Weston-super-Mare built in a disused lido. Its rides and attractions satirised the commercialised fare of Disneyland and included exhibits from 58 artists. One of Banksy’s contributions was the police van fountain, interpreted in this print as a site of reclamation. A rainbow frames the van, a symbol of state power and intervention, and children crawl around on the vehicle, playing amongst the vegetation which has overtaken it. Perhaps Banksy imagines the future of his own art object, or perhaps a more figurative future where violence is overcome by the force of peace. As the sapling and flowers have found a way to grow out of the metal car frame, so too will peace find a way. Condition Report: The print appears to be in good condition. There are a couple of very faint dirty smudges to the reverse but the front is unaffected.