ABOUT US
STYLE IS THE MESSAGE !
ORIGIN OF THE NAME 123KLAN
The name "123KLAN" originated from the zip code of Bray-Dunes (59123), a small, internationally unknown town in northern France. Founded in 1992 by Scien and Klor, they were the only graffiti artists in this town and initially named their crew "123KINGS" as a sarcastic nod to their local dominance. Over time, this evolved to "123K," and finally to "123KLAN," reflecting the familial bond within the crew, which includes close friends and the couple Scien and Klor themselves, but also literally, as Scien and Mrs. Klor are a couple, making 'clan' the perfect descriptor for their crew.
( May be a bit inspired of the Wu Tang clan of which they were fans )
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu-Tang_Clan
123KLAN roots:
Based now in Venice, California, after 15 years in Montreal, Canada, 123KLAN is a graffiti crew founded by the French duo Scien and Mrs Klor in 1992. Tireless, effervescent and often ironic creative force, Scien and Klor have been doing their art for 3 decades in the hip-hop galaxie and beyond.
Multidisciplinary Approach
The 123KLAN style is declined in several branches of knowledge :
– Graffiti art : Production of canvas, walls, worldwide exhibitions.
– The creative studio : Studio graphics and branding.
– Streetwear : BANDIT1SM x 123KLAN.
Influenced by the various 90’s graffiti art expressed in Europe and New York, 123KLAN crafted an hybrid style that gained recognition. They crafted a new language in graffiti art, transcending traditional styles with sharp-angled letters in vivid colors. Their first works were enriched by huge, sharped-angled letters in acid colors and characters with fand characters with futuristic manga features.
Digital Pioneers
In 2001, 123KLAN members invaded the web, treating it as a new surface for their art. They merged graffiti and graphic design, using the internet as a tool for creation, expression, and dissemination. The technical rigor from graffiti and the expansive possibilities of digital technology fueled their innovative style.
Artistic Evolution
123KLAN are pioneers in blending graffiti art with graphic design, creating a new synthesis described by their motto: "When street knowledge meets technology." By pushing the boundaries of these two disciplines, they have advanced graffiti aesthetics and introduced fresh ideas into contemporary graphic design. Their work spans multiple media, including record sleeves, posters, stickers, toys, skateboards, canvases, shoes, and t-shirts.
Financial Independence
After collaborating with leading streetwear brands, Scien and Klor launched their own brand, BANDIT1SM, in 2007. This venture provided financial independence and creative freedom, allowing them to explore new artistic avenues.
Vibrant and Dynamic Style
The 123KLAN style is characterized by its dynamic, almost violent vibrancy. Each piece is meticulously crafted with taut lines and razor-sharp color blocks. Their work is constantly evolving, showcased in numerous exhibitions and conferences worldwide.
Global Presence
123KLAN has exhibited in cities including Brussels, Berlin, Honolulu, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Marrakech, Mexico City, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rio, Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, and Zurich. Their art reflects a unique blend of pop culture, hip-hop references, sarcasm, and self-deprecation.
As contemporary Pop artists, Scien and Klor draw inspiration from various sources, including Japanese cartoons and North American mascots. Their work, reproduced on posters and through their clothing brand BANDIT1$M, aligns them with significant artistic movements of the twentieth century.
If one word could describe 123KLAN's style, it would be “hectic.” Their work is anything but static, exuding a violent vibrancy. Each piece is a jewel fashioned with taut lines and razor-sharp color blocks. The dynamic nature of their art is in a state of perpetual renewal, showcased in numerous exhibitions and conferences worldwide, where the duo continually demonstrates their creative energy.
Among others, they have exhibited in cities such as Brussels, Berlin, Honolulu, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Marrakech, Mexico City, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rio, São Paulo, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, and Zurich. The 123KLAN crew also exhibits a remarkable ability to recycle the elements of ever-changing pop culture, interpreting them uniquely with sprinkles of hip-hop references, sarcasm, and self-deprecation. Scien often compares his work to that of a DJ mixing a multitude of samples to create a track.
As bona fide contemporary Pop artists, Scien and Klor follow in the footsteps of Arman, Villeglé, and others. Their systematic accumulation of current graphic signs, lettering, and logotypes hand-drawn in a style reminiscent of pop art aesthetics. Additionally, their influences from Japanese cartoons and North American mascots evoke the exaltation of mass culture, which they embrace and reflect with playful nods.
The industrial or semi-industrial reproduction of their work, whether on posters or through their clothing brand BANDIT1$M on t-shirts, underscores their connection with one of the most important artistic movements of the twentieth century.
For any inquiries, please send an email to info@123klan.com
EXHIBITIONS
2023:
- World Wide Walls, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Shine on St Pete, Saint Petersburg, florida
- Teenage Kicks Festival, Rennes, France
2019:
- World Wide Walls, Okinawa, Japan
- Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii
2018:
- Urban Art fair, Paris,France
- Kolly Gallery, Zurich, Switzerland
- Above the Radar, burlington, Us
- Art souterrain, Montreal
- Quartier des spectacles, Montreal
- Gallery 123klan . Canada
- Pow Wow San Jose, California, US
2017 :
- Miami Art Basel (Basel House - Sentience WYN317 Gallery), Florida, U.S.A.
- Above the Radar, burlington, Us
- Pow Wow, Worcester, U.S.A. - Under Pressure (22nd edition), August 2017, Montreal, Canada
2016 :
- Under Pressure (21st edition), August 2016, Montreal, Canada
- Amalgam Festival, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Pow Wow, Long Beach, California, U.S.A.
- 123KLAN Solo Show, 1Am Gallery, San Francisco, U.S.A.
- 123KLAN Solo Show, The HUB, Paris, France
2015 :
- Shine Morean Arts Center, St Petersburg, Florida, U.S.A
- Violent By Design, Stay Gallery, Downey, U.S.A. - Under Pressure (20th edition), August 2015, Montreal, Canada
- Screaming Hand, The Seventh Letter Gallery, Fairfax, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
- Street Ahead, Vivid-Sydney, Sydney, Australia
2014 :
– Pow Wow Hawaii, Honolulu Art Museum, Hi, U.S.A.
– Mural Festival, Montreal, Canada
– Urban art Gallery, Stuttgart, Germany – Montana Gallery, Barcelona
– All City Style, New York, U.S.A.
– Jardin Rouge, Marrakech, Morrocco
– Scope, New York, U.S.A.
2013 :
– Pow Wow Hawaii, Honolulu Art Museum, Hi, U.S.A.
– From Lines Into Abstraction, Yves Laroche, Montreal, Canada
– Warsteiner Exhibition, Berlin, Germany
– Artrua, Rio, Brazil
2012 :
– Pow Wow Hawaii, Honolulu Art Museum, Hi, U.S.A.
– 123KLAN 20th Anniversary, Bushwick, New York, U.S.A. – Trimarchi, Mar Del Plata, Argentina
– The End, Cancun, Mexico – Pixel Show, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2011 :
– Pow Wow Hawaii, Honolulu Art Museum, Hi, U.S.A.
– Faces And Laces, Moscow, Russia
– Gamma Proforma, London, U.K.
– Against The Grain, 1Am Gallery, San Fransisco, U.S.A.
– UrbanArt – Graffiti 21, New York, Paris, Berlin, Völklingen – BRONX, Singapore
– Sudala, Tijuanaa, Mexico
2010 :
– Nike Store Opening Exhibition, Mexico City, Mexico
– Agnes B, Paris, France – Agnes B, New York, U.S.A.
2009 :
- Blood Sweat Vector, London, U.K.
2008 :
- Agnes B, Paris, France
- Agnes B, New York, U.S.A
2007 :
- Remix, Tapei, Taiwan
- Plural Form, Grand Canaria - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
2005 :
- K31 Gallery, Lahr, Germany
- Wordless, Zurich, Switzerland
2004 :
- 123KLAN Europe Tour Exhibition,
- Paris,
- Toulouse,
- London,
- Amsterdam,
- Lisbona,
- Barcelone,
- Bruxelles,
- Zurich,
- Luxembourg …
2003 :
– Kitchen 93, Bagnolet, France
– Lazy Dog, Paris, France
– Semi-Permanent, Included Shepard Fairey, 123KLAN, Banksy, Sydney, Australia