Critical Review
Lovers (orange) is a screen print depicting an embracing couple released in 2011 as a signed edition of 50).
Lovers is a signed screen print in orange, black and white that depicts an androgynous pair hugging; one has their eyes closed while the other looks on with adoring eyes.
The absence of distinct gender identification in the figures is especially effective in this context, undermining standard ideas of lovers embracing. It is Stik's concept of the fundamental human urge for connection that Lovers is intimately engaged with. The figure on the left has one arm wrapped under the chin of the second, while the figure on the right has a hand on the first's body and the other hand wrapped around their lover's waist.
Lovers is a unique expression of romantic devotion that differs from the obviously political themes of other major works by the artist. The fragile characters in this print take safety in an embrace rather than peering out fearfully into the larger world, which is the customary position of the artist's figures.
A focus is placed on the connection and warmth that can exist in romantic relationships. Instead of looking out into the outside world as Stik's figures often do, these stickmen seem to be withdrawing from it, seeking comfort in a hug.
