Jack and Jill

by Banksy

Measuring 70x50 cm, Jack and Jill by Banksy is an signed screen print on paper. It belongs to a limited edition of 350 pieces, of which only 150 are signed. 
The artwork is also well known as Banksy’s Police Kids. It portrays two children on a monochromatic background. Every detail of the figures reminds the observer of their innocence and spontaneity, except for their bulletproof vests with the word “POLICE”.
The screen print Jack and Jill was realized in 2005. It is provided with a Pest Control authentication certificate. 

Jack and Jill: Banksy’s Police Kids
The signed screen print on paper Jack and Jill depicts a boy and a girl skipping in front of the observer. They link arms chummily as they skip into - what appears to be - water, which wets the two up to their ankles. 

Jack and Jill are clothed in innocence, except for the black bulletproof vests which reads “POLICE”. Such detail sharply contrasts with the idea of freedom associated to the image. Banksy thus brings up his criticism of many parents’ useless worries. In his book “Wall and Piece”, which sold over a million copies in the UK, the artist writes: “A lot of parents will do anything for their children except let them be themselves”.
With his artwork Jack and Jill, Banksy also addresses the shadows of a militaristic society that amplifies its presumption of evil, and consequently feels the need to overload its protective systems. 

Banksy’s works through street art and dark humour 
The title of the print - also known as Banksy’s Police Kids - is an explicit reference to English 18th century doggerel Jack and Jill. It reads “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after”. 
Unlike many other Banksy artworks, Jack and Jill has never been depicted on a wall. The artist’s most popular technique (stencil) is skillfully combined with the theme of childhood, resulting in a darkly humorous composition.