Gauntlet Gallery — Hijack Print Index
Wake Up! (First edition)
Summary
"Wake Up!" (First Edition), released in 2013, marks Hijack's debut silkscreen and the moment the young Los Angeles artist stepped out from under Mr. Brainwash's wing. Hand-finished and issued in an edition of 96 at 22.5 x 30 inches, it distills his early ethos: bright, encouraging messaging built to jolt a viewer into awareness.
Why It Matters
Every artist's catalogue has a starting point, and for Hijack this is it — the first print he ever put to paper. As a debut of 96, it carries the origin-story weight collectors prize: the piece that establishes the vocabulary of positivity and street-honed graphics that later Hijack editions build upon. First prints anchor an artist's market narrative.
Collector Perspective
Debut editions attract collectors who want the root of an artist's story rather than a later, larger release. At 96 hand-finished impressions, no two are identical, which rewards close inspection of the individual sheet. Condition, the hand-finishing quality, and clean signature and numbering are the details worth weighing before acquiring this first Hijack.
Historical Context
In 2013 Hijack was a 20-year-old artist introduced to the market through Mr. Brainwash, the figure behind "Exit Through the Gift Shop." That lineage placed Hijack squarely in the post-Banksy Los Angeles street-art current, where uplifting, message-driven imagery and hand-finished screenprints were the shared language. "Wake Up!" is his entry into that conversation.
FAQ
Is this really Hijack's first print?
Yes. "Wake Up!" (First Edition) from 2013 is documented as Hijack's first silkscreen print, released when he was introduced to the market by Mr. Brainwash at age 20.
How large is the edition?
The edition is 96. Each impression is hand-finished, so individual sheets vary from one another.
What does "hand-finished" mean here?
Beyond the silkscreen printing, each sheet received additional manual work by the artist, making every impression in the edition of 96 slightly unique.
What is the sheet size?
The print measures 22.5 x 30 inches.
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.