*APC ART is proud to present "Happiness and Joy," one of the most desirable early editions by internationally collected contemporary artist Jerkface. Published by UTB NYC in 2015, this vibrant hand-pulled silkscreen is executed in rich colors on fine wove paper and is hand signed and notated "A.P." (Artist Proof) by the artist in graphite pencil. Measuring approximately 24 x 24 inches, this example is one of only three Artist's Proofs produced, completely separate from the already exceptionally small numbered edition of just 50 impressions. It has been professionally framed to archival museum standards using museum glass with a custom double mat featuring white and matching blue acid-free museum board, arriving ready to hang and enjoy immediately.*

*Jerkface has become one of the defining voices in contemporary pop art, building an international reputation by transforming beloved cartoon characters into sophisticated explorations of nostalgia, identity and collective memory. Working from New York City, he masterfully blurs the boundary between fine art and popular culture, creating compositions that are immediately familiar yet endlessly inventive. His exhibitions have consistently sold out across New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Tokyo and London, while his work has found homes in important private collections throughout the world. Today his collectors include prominent entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians and serious contemporary art collectors who recognize both the cultural significance and long-term strength of his market.*

*Among Jerkface's most celebrated recurring themes are the iconic Nickelodeon characters that defined an entire generation. In "Happiness and Joy," Ren and Stimpy collide into a joyous explosion of color, movement and overlapping forms. Rather than presenting the characters individually, Jerkface compresses them together into an energetic composition where faces, ears, noses and expressions overlap into an almost abstract rhythm. The result is playful, chaotic and visually addictive. Every glance reveals another familiar detail hidden within the composition, rewarding viewers with new discoveries long after the initial impression.*

*Standing before the work is an entirely different experience than viewing it digitally. The vibrant fluorescent oranges, blues, pinks and creams radiate with remarkable intensity, while the crisp edges and saturated inks achieved through the traditional silkscreen process create extraordinary depth and richness. Unlike digital printing, every layer of ink is physically pulled by hand through individual screens, leaving behind a surface that possesses both texture and remarkable color density. It is this handcrafted process that has made hand-pulled screenprints the preferred medium for many of the world's greatest Pop artists, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Shepard Fairey.*

*Artist's Proofs occupy a unique position within the world of printmaking. Traditionally reserved for the artist's personal archive, gifts or exhibition examples, they are produced in significantly smaller numbers than the standard edition and have become some of the most sought-after works among serious collectors. With only three Artist's Proofs existing outside the numbered edition of fifty, opportunities to acquire this work are extraordinarily rare. Many early Jerkface editions have quietly disappeared into permanent private collections, making appearances on the secondary market increasingly infrequent.*

*This example presents beautifully overall. There is a light crease approximately three-quarters of the way down the sheet above the lower margin, which has been reflected in the pricing. Once framed, the work displays exceptionally well and retains outstanding visual impact, making it an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of Jerkface's rarest early Artist's Proofs at an attractive value.*

*At APC ART, we have long admired Jerkface's ability to elevate familiar childhood imagery into sophisticated contemporary art that resonates equally with seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. "Happiness and Joy" perfectly captures the playful irreverence, technical precision and infectious optimism that have made his work one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary pop art. For collectors seeking an early, museum-framed Artist's Proof from one of today's most exciting contemporary artists, opportunities such as this are becoming increasingly difficult to find.*

*Please feel free to browse our selection of over 1,100 works from 200+ of the world's most influential, promising, contemporary artists of yesterday, today and tomorrow!*

*For more than two decades, APC ART has advised collectors, institutions and investors throughout the United States and abroad. From private acquisitions and artist commissions to complete collection curation, we have built a true legacy within the contemporary art world. Whether you are searching for a single statement piece or assembling a museum-quality collection, APC ART is your trusted source for exceptional contemporary art.*

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Provenance

Private collection; NYC, NY. USA. 
Private Collecfion; Atlanta, GA. USA. 
Included with the work is a COA from APC ART, guaranteeing authenticity in perpetuity. 

Condition

The work shows well overall. The work has been framed to archival standard, light crease 3/4 of the way down the sheet above margin.