Big Issue Shop has revealed its 7th exclusive collection of Christmas Limited Edition Art Wrap, ready for the socially conscious shopper to make their gifts stand out under the tree this year.
The collection is designed by renowned artists, The Connor Brothers, My Dog Sighs, Dave White, Mr Cenz and huh? (MOBSTR) and is available to buy from the online shop set up by the social enterprise, Big Issue Group, bigissueshop.com.
When it comes to the detail, these bold and beautiful designs will do gifts for family and friends justice, as well as creating a social echo at the same time. Leading the way is The Connor Brother’s iconic “I tried to Drown My Sorrows But The Bastards Learned How to Swim” limited edition design.
The Connor Brothers
Acclaimed artistic duo, The Connor Brothers, comprised of Mike Snelle and James Golding, have received international renown for their work, where they often juxtapose pin-up style portraits of women with blocks of solid colour and deadpan snippets of text. The design for the art wrap they have created is forged in the typical chic, slick painting style that explores artifice and sensational storytelling.
Golding commented: “The artwork we’ve chosen is an early one from our Pulp Fiction series. We choose it because various religious scholars believe it is the most accurate translation of ‘tetelestai’, which were Jesus’ final words. It seemed fitting to recall his last words in the season where we celebrate his birth by wearing Reindeer Jumpers and undertaking the annual visit to that slightly racist Uncle for weird hot fruit wine and a chat about whether or not Covid was a hoax. We’ve been involved with Big Issue for a few years and have been long term supporters by always buying a copy from our local vendors. It’s great journalism, unique voices, for an important cause, so we were delighted to be invited to collaborate.”
David White
Next up is Dave White’s delicate and whimsical design “Be Kind”, which is the first work from the Mice Collection launching with Hang Up Gallery in December. White is a contemporary British Artist who dedicates his work to celebrating popular culture and interpreting emotive issues. He pioneered the ‘Sneaker Art’ movement in 2002, with the execution of pop art inspired sneaker oil portraits, leading to long term collaborations with Nike and Brand Jordan which continue to this day. White is one of a handful of artists to have his own signature Jordan releases.
Of the piece, White said: “Being small and fragile, mice reflect the will to survive against all the odds. Their contentment is conveyed in their everyday lives, being grateful for the simplest of things that life itself offers. My aim is to celebrate this positivity, the joy of life, which we should all treasure. ‘Be Kind’ for Big Issue Shop’s Limited Edition Art Wrap project speaks for itself. It is my pleasure to support such an amazing project.”
Our third artist is My Dog Sighs, a famous street artist whose style is characterised by the combination of melancholic and often naive portraiture with the use of found materials including abandoned food cans. “My Dog Sighs’ work forms a narrative based on counterpointed poignancy that resonate with those that have the opportunity to find them. Moments of loss and then being found echo the materials used.
The “Little Voices” design sees a surreal take on the tradition image of the Robin Redbreast, with stars surrounding it to signify festive cheer, albeit with an air of slight melancholy.
The artist commented: “I’ve always been fascinated by birds and the way they have the ability, should they want to, to take flight, travel to places new and start afresh. With its tied-on beak and scabby feathers we can see it’s on the beginning of its journey. But it’s a trier. It has hopes and dreams (depicted through the hanging stars). And through time, grit and many failed flight attempts, it’ll reach them. I’m sure of it.”
Our fourth artist is Mr Cenz (aka Julian Phetean), a London-based graffiti artist who has been active since 1988. His portraits of women feature layers of intricate and flowing letterforms, shapes and line work and his distinctive murals can now be seen all over the world. A part of his latest focus on women’s faces, he has created a memorising image of a woman of colour, closely framed with swirls of colour leading the eye to her joyful expression. Own a piece of art history and snap up a piece or five today.
Last but certainly not least is graffiti artist huh? (aka MOBSTR), whose design “Were you saying something?” utilises his well-known tongue-in-cheek typographic messages. His style is simple and minimalistic, but his prints, graffiti, paintings and stencils aim to change perspectives and his contribution to the exclusive collection of Art Wrap shows no deviation from his prerogative. To purchase a piece of collectors’ art or to simply make your presents pop, purchase a pack before they go.
Russell Blackman, Commercial MD of Big Issue Group, said: “For the last seven years we’ve had many brilliant artists work with us, raising thousands of pounds to support our mission of giving those who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion a hand up. I’d like to thank all the artists for their unwavering support, as we couldn’t have done it without them. I am so pleased to be able to unveil the latest collection, we can assure you that buying your Art Wrap from us this Christmas means that you are directly helping to better the lives of people who, now more than ever before, need our support.”
The limited-edition single image sheets of each artist’s design is priced at £39 each. You can also buy a pack of five sheets of regular wrapping paper for £7.99. The wrap is printed on recycled paper and packed in recyclable plastic.
Big Issue Shop offers people the opportunity to use their spending power to make a positive difference to the world we live in. Socially- conscious shoppers can browse and buy the designs now at www.bigissueshop.com.
©2022 Big Issue
Art Plugged is a contemporary platform inspired by a relationship with the broader arts communities. We provide our audience with curated insight into the world of art, from exhibitions to artist interviews and more.
