The irrational limits that a security state can reach are wonderfully exemplified in this piece where Dorothy from The Wizard of Ozis being searched by a police officer.

Printed in black and white, except for the blue of the policeman’s disposable gloves, the print shows Dorothy in her iconic gingham dress, her face showing a look of concern at the man rummaging through her picnic basket.

Stop and Search has recently become one of the most sought-after prints by collectors of Banksy’s art. Banksy created this screen print in 2007 with a limited-edition print run of 500 pieces which are all signed with blue crayon. A rare example of Stop and Search also exists on canvas. Stop and Search has made auction records for its sale prices in recent years.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a story that is known around the world and to people of all ages. The protagonist, a young girl named Dorothy, represents an archetypal truth-seeker who travels in search of someplace better. She is accompanied by her dog, Toto, who represents faithfulness and companionship. On their journey they are stopped by an officer wearing riot gear, who is shown checking her wicker basket for some variety of contraband. The figure of Dorthy is portrayed as harmless in this print depiction and could be a reference to immigration. When viewed in this context, “Stop and Search” may represent the paranoia surrounding immigration and government agency attempts to control and prevent entry of those seeking a better quality of life.