36 X 36 - 1992
Original hand painting acrylic on Canvas by Scien & Klor 123KLAN.
Size : 24 X 24 inches
Mr. Card, created by Scien and Klor of the graffiti crew 123KLAN, serves as the crew's iconic mascot, representing a unique blend of symbolism and philosophy. His character draws from the concept of a card game, reflecting several key ideas that are intricately woven into the design and development of the artwork:
Life as a Game: Mr. Card symbolizes the notion that life deals everyone a unique set of cards. As "gamers," we must embrace our circumstances, play our hand, and strive to make the best out of any situation. The essence of life is to have fun, take risks, and adapt to the cards we’re dealt. In one particular iteration of Mr. Card, this theme is highlighted with the number 59 prominently displayed—a reference to the northern region of France, specifically Lille, from which Scien and Klor originate. This subtle tribute to their roots grounds the artwork in personal history, while also giving it a universal appeal. The joker card, central to the artwork, signifies life's unpredictability, and the inclusion of a pixelated mushroom, a nod to classic video games, reinforces the idea of power-ups and second chances in the game of life.
Collaboration and Community: The card game metaphor extends to the idea of a multiplayer experience, emphasizing the importance of connection within the street art community. It represents the collaborative spirit of graffiti culture, where artists engage in dialogue, share ideas, and create together. In this version, the heads of skeletons appear, tagged with the word "enemy." These skeletons symbolically remind us that there is no need to fight with ghosts of the past or with enemies that no longer matter—fighting the dead serves no purpose. The use of these skeletal forms contrasts with the vibrancy of the graffiti, representing life, growth, and the continuation of creative expression.
Empowerment and Agency: Mr. Card embodies the belief that, regardless of the challenges life presents, one can always find ways to influence their destiny. Bluffing and strategizing are part of the game, signifying the power to fight for one’s dreams and reshape one’s narrative. In this version, the chessboard pattern behind Mr. Card is paired with references to video games, such as pixelated elements like the mushroom, signifying growth and transformation. The figure of Mr. Card also interacts with these gaming motifs, signifying a playful yet determined approach to overcoming challenges. Hidden dice and chips reinforce the idea that risk and strategy are intrinsic to success, and even a losing hand can be turned into a victory with the right moves.
Overall, Mr. Card is a celebration of fun, freedom, and the creativity inherent in navigating life’s uncertainties. He reflects the vibrant spirit of 123KLAN and their commitment to street art as a means of expression and connection. The inclusion of references such as the 59 for Scien and Klor’s home region, the skeletal "enemy" heads, and the pixelated mushroom are all deliberate choices that weave together personal history, philosophical reflections, and pop culture. These elements come together to form a piece that is both visually engaging and conceptually rich, inviting the viewer to explore the layers of meaning within the artwork.
——-
Pour ceux qui sont familiers avec l'approche unique de 123klan, ils savent que le duo aborde la création de manière similaire à un DJ qui mixe. Seulement 123klan crée a la main tous les matériaux visuels qui vont utiliser. ils mixent graphiquement leurs travaux de manière originale et véritablement humaine. Bien que cela prenne un peu plus de temps qu'une intelligence artificielle, le résultat est à la fois authentique et empreint d'humanité.
C'est ainsi qu'est née le concept de la série de NFT non virtuels, matérialisés sous la forme de toiles acryliques peintes à la main. Chaque œuvre d'art, créée avec minutie et amour, capture de manière unique la personnalité distinctive de Mr. Card dans toutes ses déclinaisons. Chacune de ces toiles acryliques s'accompagne d'un certificat d'authenticité, attestant de sa rareté et de son caractère unique.
En effet, elles sont toutes des véritables pièces uniques, chaque création étant aussi rare qu'un sourire le jour de pluie ;p. Cette série spéciale de NFT physiques, qui signifie ici "Not For Trade" (pas à échanger), incarne une fusion inventive entre l'art traditionnel de la peinture à la main et l'innovation graphique caractéristique de 123KLAN.
Les collectionneurs auront le privilège rare de posséder une pièce palpable de notre histoire, métamorphosée en une œuvre d'art singulière. Au-delà de l'aspect visuel, chaque exemplaire physique de "Not Fake Trade" sera accompagné d'avantages exclusifs, offrant aux collectionneurs des expériences véritablement hors du commun.