Here are the top 25 creative people in the world. These artists are picked by Complex Magazine as people who have been core to artistically developing our thoughts and interests. With out last post, you may have done well in recognizing heads of states and affluent businessmen, but how many of these famous artists are you familiar with?
Complex Magazine introduced this list by stating: If one thing is certain about the past 10 years, it is that the intersection of arts and products has become more transparent. We’re a generation spurred by collaboration and charged up by the potential of visual arts to better almost every idea.
Influence is a tough thing to pinpoint. However, we can easily celebrate the people that enriched our aesthetic options and made us think. Some of these folks created new products, others challenged gallery installations. We don’t one type of art making over any other. Instead, we tip our hats to all who brought distinct and exciting visions to our daily lives.
In short, these are the artists who have shaped our vision of world over the past 10 years.
- KAWS, NY-based artist and designer (photo)
- Banksy, USA graffiti artist
- Damien Hirst
- Shepard Fairey (best known for Obama’s Hope poster)
- Stephen ESPO Powers, graffiti and studio artist
- Takashi Murakami, pop artist
- Ai Weiwei, Chinese architect (Beijing Olympic Stadium)
- FUTURA, NY subway graffiti
- Todd James, USA painter
- Ron English, USA “public space” artist
- Mister Cartoon, tattoo and graffiti artist
- KR (KRINK), graffiti (ink) artist
- Terry Richardson, photographer artist
- Barry McGee
- JR, Paris-based urban activist
- Frank Kozik, rock memorabilia
- Brent Rollins, art director, designer, author
- Ryan McGinley, photographer
- Dash Snow, photographer, collage artist
- Kehinde Wiley, African portraiture
- Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy creative director, designer
- Ryan Trecartin, USA film artist
- Geoff McFetridge, design with commercial products
- SWOON, street artist
- Ryan McGinness, iconic painting, silk screen artist
SOURCE: See the full list and Complex commentary @ Complex Magazine website.
