'Love Hurts' by Fake, 2018
Very Rare, early Artist Proof edition of one of the artist's most popular works.
Pink variant.
27.5 x 19.7 Inches
70 x 50 Centimeters
2-color screen print on 350gsm Fabriano fine art paper.
Acquired directly from the artist.
Limited Edition of only 30 (#AP/30)
Hand-signed and dated by the artist in white ink bottom right.
Hand-numbered with Graffiti Prints' blindstamp seal bottom left.
Includes Fake's, titled, dated and edition'd "Street Cred" embossed plastic COA credit card.
ABOUT THE ART
In 'Love Hurts', street artist Fake delivers a striking visual meditation on the duality of love—its beauty and its inherent pain. Rendered in his signature stencil-based style, the composition features two silhouetted children holding hands against a vibrant pink backdrop. At first glance, the scene feels innocent and tender, but closer inspection reveals a deeper tension: the girl clutches a spiked bat behind her back while hearts float above her head, while the boy, seemingly unaware, is surrounded by stars—suggesting disorientation or the aftermath of emotional impact.
Fake’s work often draws from the visual language of classic street art—bold silhouettes, high contrast, and minimal color—but layers it with sharp, contemporary commentary. Here, he explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and the contradictions embedded in human relationships. The piece captures that fragile space where affection and harm coexist, making it both playful and unsettling.
The use of a soft pink gradient intensifies this contrast, evoking romance and innocence while amplifying the darker undertones of the imagery. As with much of Fake’s work, 'Love Hurts' invites viewers to reflect on personal experiences while remaining immediately accessible and visually iconic.
This particular example is an Artist Proof (AP), a highly sought-after subset of the edition typically reserved for the artist and close collaborators. APs are produced in smaller quantities than the standard edition, adding an additional layer of rarity and collectibility.