Own an essential work of modern political satire by Jimmy Cauty, a foundational figure in British counter-culture, renowned for his work with The KLF. This print perfectly merges Cauty's most recognized themes: the 'Smiley Riot Shield' and his subversive postal stamp designs.
This particular work commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre (1819), transforming the historical event into a contemporary critique of state violence and authority.
The Deeper Context: Law, Rebellion, and the Contested Smiley
The use of the smiley face here is a triple layer of satire, connecting state conflict with corporate control:
Corporate Control: The iconic symbol, originally created by Harvey Ball in 1963, was later trademarked by Franklin Loufrani and The Smiley Company in 1971, leading to decades of international legal battles over its ownership and use. Cauty subverts this contested corporate image by placing it on a shield—a tool of state violence.
Acid House Rebellion: The symbol was heavily adopted by the Acid House rave culture (in which Cauty was a key figure through The KLF), representing utopian escape and rebellion.
Satirical Blend: By blending the corporate-owned, legally-contested symbol of hedonism with the authoritarian object of a riot shield, Cauty critiques both the commercialization of rebellion and the underlying violence of the establishment.
Key Collector Details
Artist Provenance: Cauty is a pioneer of the anti-establishment art movement, often exhibited alongside artists like Banksy.
Unique Stamping: The print is officially authenticated and stamped with two satirical markings:
Rubber stamped "i Protest The Cautese National Postal Disservice" in red ink.
Rubber stamped "Limited Edition Stamp of Mass Destruction" in black ink.
Gallery Provenance: Purchased from Cauty's spiritual home, The L-13 Light Industrial Workshop (Gallery) in London, circa 2019.
Print Specifications
Edition: Limited Edition of 200 (Hand-numbered in pencil).
Medium: Fine art Giclée print made using high-quality light fast inks on matt stock paper.
Dimensions: 30.5 cm x 33 cm (A highly collectible, compact size).
Condition: Excellent, stored flat from new.
This is a must-have for any collector interested in politically charged art, British counter-culture, or the enduring legacy of The KLF.
Own an essential work of modern political satire by Jimmy Cauty, a foundational figure in British counter-culture, renowned for his work with The KLF. This print perfectly merges Cauty's most recognized themes: the 'Smiley Riot Shield' and his subversive postal stamp designs.
This particular work commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre (1819), transforming the historical event into a contemporary critique of state violence and authority.
The Deeper Context: Law, Rebellion, and the Contested Smiley
The use of the smiley face here is a triple layer of satire, connecting state conflict with corporate control:
Corporate Control: The iconic symbol, originally created by Harvey Ball in 1963, was later trademarked by Franklin Loufrani and The Smiley Company in 1971, leading to decades of international legal battles over its ownership and use. Cauty subverts this contested corporate image by placing it on a shield—a tool of state violence.
Acid House Rebellion: The symbol was heavily adopted by the Acid House rave culture (in which Cauty was a key figure through The KLF), representing utopian escape and rebellion.
Satirical Blend: By blending the corporate-owned, legally-contested symbol of hedonism with the authoritarian object of a riot shield, Cauty critiques both the commercialization of rebellion and the underlying violence of the establishment.
Key Collector Details
Artist Provenance: Cauty is a pioneer of the anti-establishment art movement, often exhibited alongside artists like Banksy.
Unique Stamping: The print is officially authenticated and stamped with two satirical markings:
Rubber stamped "i Protest The Cautese National Postal Disservice" in red ink.
Rubber stamped "Limited Edition Stamp of Mass Destruction" in black ink.
Gallery Provenance: Purchased from Cauty's spiritual home, The L-13 Light Industrial Workshop (Gallery) in London, circa 2019.
Print Specifications
Edition: Limited Edition of 200 (Hand-numbered in pencil).
Medium: Fine art Giclée print made using high-quality light fast inks on matt stock paper.
Dimensions: 30.5 cm x 33 cm (A highly collectible, compact size).
Condition: Excellent, stored flat from new.
This is a must-have for any collector interested in politically charged art, British counter-culture, or the enduring legacy of The KLF.
