Gauntlet Gallery — Hijack Print Index
Irreplaceable
Summary
"Irreplaceable" (2014) is a one-color screenprint pulled on hand-torn archival art paper in an edition of 92, at 22 x 30 inches. Stripped to a single ink, it leans on line and composition rather than color, and each sheet is signed, numbered, and backed with the artist's thumbprint — Hijack's personal mark of authorship.
Why It Matters
The thumbprint on the verso is the signature detail across Hijack's early editions, and "Irreplaceable" carries it. That literal fingerprint turns each of the 92 impressions into a one-to-one authentication device tied to the artist's own hand — a fitting gesture for a work whose very title argues that some things cannot be duplicated.
Collector Perspective
A single-color print rewards collectors who value restraint and graphic clarity over spectacle. The hand-torn deckle edges and rear thumbprint mean condition assessment runs beyond the image to the paper's edges and the verso mark. At 92, it sits among the tighter early Hijack runs, which supports its standing for those building a focused holding.
Historical Context
Arriving in 2014, "Irreplaceable" comes from the stretch just after Hijack's 2013 debut, as he was defining his printmaking habits. The thumbprint-on-verso practice and hand-torn archival paper became recurring hallmarks of this period, situating him within the Los Angeles street-print scene that prized handmade, authenticated, message-forward editions.
FAQ
Why is there a thumbprint on the back?
Each sheet carries the artist's thumbprint on the verso as a personal mark of authorship, a recurring feature across Hijack's early editions including this one.
How many colors is the print?
It is a one-color screenprint, relying on a single ink and composition rather than a multi-color palette.
What kind of paper is used?
It is printed on hand-torn archival art paper, so the deckle edges are part of each sheet's character.
What is the edition size and dimension?
The edition is 92, and each sheet measures 22 x 30 inches, signed and numbered by the artist.
About the Artist
Hijack is a Los Angeles-based street artist, the son of the French urban artist Blek le Rat, who is often credited as a pioneer of stencil graffiti and an influence on Banksy. Working primarily in stencil and mixed media, Hijack creates satirical, pop-culture-charged imagery that comments on consumerism, politics, and celebrity, frequently juxtaposing childhood innocence with adult themes. He has exhibited in galleries across the United States and internationally, and his editions and originals have attracted a growing collector base within the contemporary urban-art market.
Collecting Hijack at Gauntlet Gallery
How should I start collecting Hijack?
Signed, numbered editions are the natural entry point, with hand-embellished prints and original stencil-on-canvas works representing the higher tier. Look for bold, recognizable imagery and clean condition. Gauntlet Gallery selects pieces with complete signing and documented release history.
How is authenticity handled?
Hijack works are offered with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the specific piece you will receive, capturing the signature and edition details so you can verify before buying.
What drives Hijack's value?
Scarcity (edition size and unique works), subject matter, hand-embellishment, condition, and provenance tied to a documented release are the primary value drivers. Originals and low-numbered embellished prints command the strongest prices.