Artwork Description
ComplexCon x Mutated Deck Set Fine Art Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print Transfer on Natural Skateboard Deck by Street Artwork Graffiti Artist Takashi Murakami TM/KK.
2019 Printed Limited Edition Skateboard Art Deck Artwork Set of 3
Takashi Murakami, renowned for his vibrant and psychedelic oeuvre that traverses fine art and pop culture, unveiled a collectible skateboard deck set at ComplexCon 2019, further cementing his legacy within the urban art scene. The collaboration, dubbed the Takashi Murakami x ComplexCon Mutated Skateboard Deck Set, is a trifecta of visual ecstasy, encompassing the artist's signature motifs – his whimsical bear character, the vibrant flowers, and the mythical mushrooms, all rendered in a kaleidoscope of colors that dance across the decks with a life of their own. These limited edition skateboard decks are not merely functional items but stand as a testament to Murakami's artistic vision, where street pop art and contemporary graffiti converge. Each deck is a canvas that encapsulates Murakami's distinctive synthesis of traditional Japanese techniques with post-war Japanese culture and modern anime and manga influences. The result is a striking visual narrative that is both familiar and fantastical, a vibrant pastiche of past and present, East and West, art and commerce. Released on November 2nd, 2019, as a limited edition set, these decks were produced using an archival pigment print transfer process that ensures the longevity of the colors and the intricate details of Murakami's designs. The precision of this technique highlights the artist's commitment to quality and his understanding of the skateboard's dual identity as a tool for sport and a piece of collectible art. Murakami's artistry is evident in the joyous yet complex expressions of the characters adorning the decks. The mutated bear, a recurring character in his works, is depicted with a vitality that belies the meticulousness of the art form. The flowers and mushrooms, bursting with colors, serve as a symbolic lexicon through which Murakami explores themes of life and identity. Each element is meticulously placed, creating an energetic dialogue between the characters and the viewer. These skateboard decks are emblematic of ComplexCon's mission to be a catalyst for creative collaboration and innovation. They embody the event's spirit, where art is not confined to galleries but is a part of the everyday streetscape. Collectors and skateboarding aficionados vie for these pieces, which are valuable objects and of acultural phenomenon where street art meets pop culture and functionality meets high art. Takashi Murakami's collaboration with ComplexCon represents a significant moment in the timeline of street pop art and graffiti artwork. It reflects a cultural zeitgeist that venerates the fluidity between art forms and the demolition of barriers between 'high' art and commercial art. The Mutated Skateboard Deck Set is a vibrant example of this synergy, a set of objects that are a mode of transportation, a medium for artists, and a conduit for collectors to engage with art in new and exciting ways.
