STIK is a British minimalist painter and sculptor renowned for his emotionally resonant stick-figure artworks that explore the human body through line form. His deceptively simple yet powerful figures transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, evoking universal themes of connection, vulnerability, and community.
Emerging from London’s street art scene in the early 2000s, STIK began painting his now-iconic figures as a response to personal hardship and a desire to communicate with the public. His works—bold, black-lined forms with expressive gestures—are a testament to his ability to convey profound emotion using only the most essential elements of the human figure. Over the years, STIK has transformed cityscapes worldwide, creating some of the largest public artworks in London, New York, and Tokyo.
Among his most significant achievements is ‘Holding Hands,’ a monumental 12 ft (4m) bronze sculpture installed permanently in London’s Hoxton Square. The piece symbolizes solidarity and human connection—recurring themes that lie at the heart of his practice.
Beyond his artistic contributions, STIK is a dedicated activist, using his platform to amplify social causes and support grassroots communities. His collaborations span organizations such as the N.H.S., British Nuclear Test Veterans, and various community-led groups. He has also worked on groundbreaking projects with cultural institutions, including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, PRIDE in London, and London’s Southbank Centre.
STIK’s commitment to fostering the next generation of artists led him to establish and fund initiatives such as ‘My Mural’ and the ‘Hackney Sculpture Project,’ which provide young and emerging artists opportunities to create impactful public artworks. He also co-founded the ‘Dulwich Outdoor Gallery,’ a celebrated open-air art space that blends historic art with contemporary street styles.
STIK’s work is both deeply personal and profoundly public, resonating across continents and communities. By reducing the human form to its most essential lines, he creates art that is accessible yet layered with meaning, challenging us to see ourselves—and each other—with empathy, unity, and understanding.