Stik

by StiK

The first collected volume of work from feted street artist Stik, fully illustrated and beautifully presented

“Social change is what art does. I don’t know what else there is, to be honest. Social change seems to me the primary function of art. I feel that’s my duty. That’s why I’m here. That’s what art is supposed to do.” —Stik
 
Stik first came to notoriety as an underground street artist who painted life-size stick figures during the night around London’s East End. As a firm believer in the right to protest, the freedom of speech, and basic human rights, Stik has now painted murals in cities, towns, and villages all over the world, focusing his work in communities that face repression and disenfranchisement.

Having gained an international following, Stik credits his audience with the intelligence to fill in the emotional details of his work, which always consists of just six lines and two dots. Each piece is a meditation.

This is the first collected volume of his work to date. It reveals the political and artistic inspiration behind an emerging voice whose work stands alongside Banksy and Keith Haring among true activists in the street art community.

The first edition includes an exclusive limited edition lithographic print inside the book in either blue or orange.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Street Art, Photography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2015

Reviews

[Lamaalajmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I just draw six lines and two dots"
Enjoyable, it taught me how art can be simple, yet meaningful.
It's something new to learn about London this time, I will always recognize Stik's street art.

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute. Mildly amusing. But the drawings are so out of context they really do need a caption to explain what the poor artist wanted to manifest. And it doesn't seem to be a problem with the photographer, but rather the fuzzy reason of the painter.

It is admirable how pleasant can six lines and two dots can be. But when the composition is done they are as cute as a ready made Hello Kitty sticker. Even less cute.

[Brent White · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Don’t Know Stik

This is an artist who should be better known. This interesting pictorial of Stik’s work and growth as an artist is just the beginning. I’m excited to see where the journey continues.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of images / pictures of an artist's work.

Some of the pieces were good, but the style seems quite limited.

Reading (mainly viewing) time roughly 1 hour.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind. Such simple minimalistic art yet, it conveys a powerful message and transformed the artist’s life.

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street art with a social conscience. Great story how this simple figure helped a homeless artist and how they used their creativity to highlight social and environmental issues. Love this work.

[Callitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a giveaway and was so excited. I'm an artist myself and have always enjoyed graffiti art and art that speak about social happenings. The work reminded me of Keith Haring. I love the simplicity of the art and how just the change in the figure and their eyes can express such strong emotions. I will keep this book in my permanent collection. Thank you!

[Jennifer Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stik” is the first collected volume of work by the British street artist known as Stik. Above, a 2010 work titled “A Couple Hold Hands in the Street,” is painted around the corner from a mosque in Tower Hamlets, London.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/summer-ey...

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Read" for fun. I'm not sure that this qualifies as reading, but I enjoyed looking through the artwork and learning a little more about their locations and inspirations.

[Yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six lines and two dots. A simple art with story behind each drawing. In order to cultivate social awareness to the public, we need such a simple drawing so that we can easily understand the message behind of it.