Hugs, or Hugo Christian-Slane, is a New Zealand-born artist and designer. Coming from a family consisting of an illustrator, painter and political cartoonist, Hugo grew up receiving an art education at home, while receiving a BFA from AUT University majoring in Graphic Design. Having had multiple solo and group shows in New Zealand, Hugs’ debut US solo show, entitled LOST Exhibition by Hugs, was held in the fall of 2018 at 385 Broome Street Gallery, and was the most successful show in the gallery's history. - “I would describe my work as a study of image and identity in today’s progressive narrative. Just like a ‘hug,’ my work offers both a consolation and choke-hold in a dialogue of politics and pop-thematics.” Apart from his paintings, his politically charged LOST poster series can be found consistently ‘on show’ throughout the streets of New York City. Of the series, he says, “I initially put my work in the streets because I didn’t care about owning it. It’s an experience open to the public and is treated as such.”