Designed by eight artists and with production overseen by ALK Direct, the limited-edition wrapping paper sheets can only be purchased through the Big Issue Shop, an ethical e-shop established by the social enterprise which is best known for the street magazine of the same name.
Included in this year’s collection – the ninth from the Big Issue – is work from comedian Harry Hill, best known for his work on TV. Hill’s recent foray into art saw his paintings, prints and sculpture displayed at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in 2021.
Opake, meanwhile, is a prominent London-based artist whose lived experience of addiction and rough sleeping inspired many of his surrealist pop-art graffiti-style pieces. He reimagines iconic cartoon characters like Pink Panther and Mickey Mouse to explore mental health, addiction, and the breakdown of pop culture.
Opake’s work was recently featured in the Saatchi Gallery’s Homelessness: Reframed exhibition, for which he met and discussed his work with Prince William.
Also contributing to 2024’s art wrapping paper collection are the Cameron Twins, Real Hackney Dave, Bunmi Agusto, HelloMarine, Graphic Rewilding, and Rebecca Strickson.
Russell Blackman, managing director of the Big Issue, said: “This year’s range of bold and arresting wrapping paper designs will frame gifts for family and friends perfectly, or look equally impressive when framed themselves on the walls of your home!
“Over the past nine years, we’ve had a host of awe-inspiring 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. This year’s line-up is no less impressive, with a huge and diverse range of talent on display.
“By buying a sheet or a pack from our Big Issue Shop, you will be directly helping to better the lives of people who, now more than ever before, need our support.”
Limited edition single image sheets of each artist’s design are priced at £39 each. A pack of five sheets of regular wrapping paper can also be bought for £7.99. The wrap is printed on recycled paper and packed in recyclable plastic.
