PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Australia Purchased from Pictures on Walls, 2009

This work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Pest Control

Chocolate Donuts came after the original Banksy Strawberry Donut work, this time featuring a giant chocolate donut covered in sprinkles affixed to the roof of a police van. The blue and red spots as flashing lights of the police vehicles add splashes of colour in the artwork. It could represent Banksy's ironic commentary on police values in America, the police are stereotyped for their love of takeaway coffee and donuts. Alternatively it could be a satirical suggestion police prioritise the safety of their snacks over the safety of their suspects.

The image could have a broader meaning, if we view the police as mere enforcers, perhaps they are protecting the very essence of commercialism, represented by the donut. It is rare for Banksy to create a piece that doesn't have some form of social, environmental or political message so it seems unlikely the artist is referring to just donuts. The police were a frequent subject of Banksy screenprints, such as in his notorious Rude Copper, Have A Nice Day and Flying Copper works.

The number of prints released - 299 for each flavour is widely believed to be a reference to the Krispy Kreme financial troubles in 2007, the year it closed down 299 of it's stores.