STIK Trending Print Series In 2023
Standout Performers: Liberty And Onbu Series
STIK’s Liberty series emerges as a standout performer in terms of sales value, initially introduced in 2013 in conjunction with his renowned Liberty mural in New York City. Available in a standard edition, comparing four colourways, and the deluxe set, including a rare yellow colourway, which achieved a record price of £200,000 (with fees) in 2019. Over the past seven years, individual prints from various colourways have commanded an ASP of £21,572 (hammer). In 2023, five individual Liberty prints were auctioned. Liberty (red) was the highest-selling fetching £35,280 (with fees) in January.
Similarly, the Onbu series, characterised by its rarity and unique inspiration from traditional Japanese ‘ukiyo-e’ woodcut printing, stands apart with its subdued colour palette, a departure from STIK’s usual vibrant backgrounds. This distinctive series remains highly sought-after, with a complete set achieving a record price of £81,900 (with fees) in 2023. The highest-selling individual print, Onbu (green), was also achieved in 2023 realising £20,000 (with fees), its second sale since entering the market in 2021.
Market Activity: Holding Hands And Standing Figure Series
The Holding Hands and Standing Figure series remain slightly less lucrative in terms of sales value, yet maintain increase volume and availability on the market. The Holding Hands prints, inspired by a charitable sculpture funded by STIK during the Covid-19 pandemic, witnessed significant market activity in 2023, with 39 auction sales, including 16 complete sets. A record price for an individual work from this series was achieved in 2023, with Holding Hands (orange) realising £4,160 (with fees) at Rosebery’s.
The Standing Figure series, available in four primary colourways, and supplemented with other colour variants in rare printed editions, gained prominence after being released in a 2015 coffee table book. This series saw sales across various colourways 22 times in 2023. A rare printer’s proof, Standing Figure (mint green) (PP), set a new record for the print, achieving £37,800 at Christie’s.