Joseph Klibansky (1984) - Bare hug - Lavender Mist

Bare Hug — Collectable / Lavender Mist
The Story

Introducing Bare Hug — Collectable – a collectible sculpture that walks the fine line between charm and cheekiness, innocence and provocation.

Based on the now long sold-out original bronze edition, Bare Hug — Collectable returns in a limited run of hand-crafted cast resin—making this sought-after piece more accessible while staying true to the artist’s vision and meticulous craftsmanship. At first glance, it’s a familiar and disarming figure: a teddy bear, arms open wide, inviting you into a hug. But take a second look, and you’ll realize this is no ordinary bear.

Playfully subverting the universal symbol of childhood comfort, Bare Hug — Collectable—spelled that way for a reason—disarms with its warmth, then provokes with its bare honesty. It strips away the innocence we often project onto objects and gestures, confronting us with the tension that lies just beneath the surface of the everyday.

Originally released in 2023 as an edition of 500, this collectible has become a standout in the artist’s body of work. While the majority of pieces quickly found homes with collectors and fans, a small number were held back by the artist’s studio and are being released gradually—making the remaining few even more rare.

Each piece is individually crafted and finished by hand, ensuring no two are exactly alike. Bare Hug — Collectable is more than a sculpture—it’s a conversation starter, a boundary-pusher, and a uniquely playful take on what it means to embrace.

Now’s your chance to hold one—literally and metaphorically.

Specifications, properties and other information
Specifications
Year (first release): 2023
Edition of: 500
Size: 22.0 cm x 36.0 cm x 14.5 cm
Materials: Resin, Paint, Steel (pin)
Medium: Sculpture
Made by Hand
Hand-signed
Numbered by hand
Dated
Dated by hand