Image via Complex Original
ComplexCon will be the epicenter of the art world from Nov. 5-6 when dozens of world-renowned artists show up in Long Beach, California for the inaugural festival. ComplexCon is a showcase of global heatseekers from the world of art, fashion, film, music, food, and sneakers. You can buy tickets here to see live and in person the trendsetters that are shaking up the pop culture landscape. For now, check out this list of artists and art collectives who will be displaying their work at ComplexCon.
Dabs Myla
Dabs Myla is a husband-and-wife team from Australia. The inventive duo created the intricate set for the 2015 MTV Movie Awards. Inspired by an eclectic mix of graffiti art and mid-century illustration, Dabs Myla’s installations are not to be missed.
James Jean
Taiwanese-American artist James Jean is held in high regard by comic book fans for his contributions to several DC Comics covers. Jean’s comic book cover art has earned him seven highly prestigious Eisner Awards, which recognizes excellence in comic book artistry.
Montana Colors
Montana Colors’ products might be your favorite artist’s tool of choice. The Barcelona-based company supplies artists with high-quality, hand-sealed aerosol paint cans. Many graffiti artists rely on Montana Colors’ signature sprays, markers, and inks to create their pieces. If you’ve ever marveled at a sprawling display of urban graffiti art, chances are you’ve seen Montana Colors at work.
Paper Work NYC
Paper Work NYC is a New York-based art group founded in 2012 that seeks to shine a spotlight on rare zines, books, photographs, prints, and original art. ComplexCon-goers will, no doubt, be flocking to see Paper Work NYC’s installation.
Patrick Martinez
Since the early ’90s, Patrick Martinez’s artwork has been heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, and, in particular, graffiti art. In fact, Martinez has spent years creating illustrations for hip-hop-centric record labels. Focusing his artistic eye on generally mundane objects such as a bag of Cheetos or a Coke bottle, Martinez crafts work that seamlessly highlights the overlooked beauty in the everyday.
Pow! Wow! Hawaii
Pow! Wow!, which began as a week-long event in Hawaii, has morphed into a worldwide collective of artists and learners. Pow! Wow! artists often specialize in colorful murals, which you can check out here. Pow! Wow! festivals tend to be global affairs with participants hailing from Taiwan, Long Beach, Israel, Singapore, Jamaica, Washington D.C., Guam, New Zealand, Germany, and many more places.
Ron English/Popaganda
Called “The Greatest Living Artist” by Super Size Me documentarian Morgan Spurlock, Ron English describes his intriguing brand of art as "Popaganda." What makes Ron English's work so fascinating is his one-of-a-kind blend of high-art and everyman cultural references. An English piece may include an homage to Van Gogh superimposed onto an image of Ronald McDonald.
The 3125C Galleria
Wherever 3125C goes, inspiration follows. After debuting at Art Basel in Hong Kong in 2015, the pop-up gallery/candy vendor has since risen to prominence in La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. Founded by musician, actor, and fashion designer Edison Chen, 3125C strives to foster local creativity wherever it shows up.
The Seventh Letter
This artistic apparel retailer expertly combines street art and fashion in its array of sweatshirts and jackets. Check out The Seventh Letter’s selection before ComplexCon starts, and be sure to take a look at the new clothing on display Nov. 5-6.
Think Space
This Culver City-based gallery has played a major role in the formation of the new contemporary art scene. The gallery’s mission is to shake up what the art world deems to be “institutional” or “conventional,” and to put on emerging artists.
Vacancy Projects
Vacancy Projects is a creative studio founded in Los Angeles in 2013. Artist and designer Kristofferson San Pablo and Mary Vu built the studio to promote artist-made goods and services. The duo’s artistic taste draws from various SoCal art and music scenes. Vacancy Project’s subversive style delves boldly into themes of identity politics, sexuality, art history, and humor. They are a must-see at ComplexCon.