The Police

2022 

Screenprint

11 x 8.5''

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In The Police, we see a single police cap, stark against a black backdrop. This image was chosen to continue the tone set in Above Reproach, and reflect on the power of symbols. We don’t see the police (man’s in this case) face, or uniform. Just an empty cap with an indistinguishable badge, yet, we instantly recognise the image for what it is, a symbol of power, authority. It may not belong to the police, perhaps a guard somewhere, but the symbol, and the dark tone and color of the paper, combine to form a “dark” impression that leads to negative associations. Interestingly, the policeman whose cap this is, was scowling quite heavily when I took the original photo. A stereotypical image.