APC ART is pleased to present “Hip” (Red Variant, Japan Big Issue) — an exceptionally rare and highly important work by globally renowned contemporary artist STIK.
Executed as a print in colors on wove paper, this work measures 56 × 22 cm (approximately 22 × 8.7 inches) and is hand signed by the artist in black ink, lower right margin. It originates from an unknown yet extremely limited hand-signed edition — placing it among the rarest and most desirable examples of STIK’s printed works.
STIK is widely regarded as one of the most impactful contemporary artists of his generation. His instantly recognizable “stik figures” — rendered with the utmost simplicity — carry a profound emotional weight. Through minimal line and form, STIK communicates themes of vulnerability, isolation, resilience, and human connection in a way that few artists are capable of achieving.
His story is as compelling as his work. Having experienced homelessness in Hackney — a period reflected in his deeply personal “rough sleeper” works — STIK’s rise to the pinnacle of the contemporary art world is a testament to resilience, raw talent, and unwavering dedication.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, STIK has produced an extraordinarily limited number of signed and numbered prints — in fact, fewer than many artists produce in a single edition. Some of his most coveted editions include “Hip” (numbered edition of 3) and “Sleeping Baby” (edition of 25 per color). These works now command prices well into the tens of thousands, firmly positioning STIK as a blue-chip contemporary artist.
For collectors seeking a true high-end investment example, we encourage you to explore the “Sleeping Baby” (Yellow Variant) currently available through APC ART.
Historically, the most accessible entry point into STIK’s market has been through his “book prints,” “newspaper prints,” and “magazine prints” — including collaborations with The Big Issue, Hackney Today, and various published books where prints were folded into bindings. These works are typically unsigned and heavily creased. On the rare occasion that STIK signs such works, they are almost always personalized to deter profiteering.
This example is an extraordinary exception.
“Hip” (Red Variant) is one of STIK’s most iconic compositions — depicting a solitary figure with subtle posture and gesture that conveys both confidence and quiet introspection. The bold red ground amplifies the emotional intensity of the figure, making this a visually striking and psychologically engaging work.
This particular piece is from the Japanese Big Issue release (2013) and comes directly from the personal collection of APC ART — gifted by the artist over twelve years ago. It has never been folded, an extremely rare characteristic for works from this series, and the typical fold lines are virtually imperceptible.
Most notably, the work is hand signed by STIK in black marker — and critically, it is not personalized — an exceptionally rare occurrence for this body of work.
Authentic, hand-signed examples of “Hip” are exceedingly scarce. Comparable numbered editions of this exact composition have achieved prices in the range of $40,000–$50,000, underscoring the significance and investment caliber of this piece.
The work will arrive professionally framed to true museum / archival standard — floated and presented behind museum glass — ready to hang and enjoy immediately.
Included with the work is a Japanese edition of The Big Issue along with a certificate of authenticity issued by APC ART guaranteeing the work in perpetuity.
The work will ship immediately from the USA.
This is an absolutely iconic STIK work — a centerpiece acquisition suited for the most discerning and high-level collections.
ATL. MIA. NYC. LA. PARIS. LONDON. TOKYO
Private collection; Miami Beach, Florida. USA.
Included with the work will be a certificate of authenticity issued by APC ART (with the gallery’s blind stamp), guaranteeing authenticity in perpetuity.
The work is in mint condition. The work has been stored to archival standard in the personal flat file of APC. Framed to museum standard.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible. Need to return something? Just let us know.
