# Hip Hop Hero Portraits The Alter Ego Exhibit Showcases Great Pieces by SmugOne By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-05-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alter-ego-exhibit References: [herochan](http://www.herochan.com/post/22863790001/weapon-x-to-the-z-notorious-t-h-i-n-g-lil) & [alteregoexhibition.bigcartel](http://alteregoexhibition.bigcartel.com/) Alter Ego Exhibit uses the powers of artists to create tributes to renowned comics. Scottish artist SmugOne turns hip hop stars into iconic superheroes; the [Marvel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovo-x-marvel) comic characters are completely revamped. Crafted specifically for the show, each piece provides a humorous yet photorealistic portrayal. SmugOne merges the fantastical with the gangster on these spray-painted canvases. Using a technique that perfects highlighting, features from the characters -- whether it be a shiny blade or glowing eyes -- are truly emphasized by the artist. The portraits are cleverly named based on their rapper/superhero mashup. 'Weapon X to the Z,' referencing the fusion between rapper Xzibit and X-Men Wolverine is just one example. While Lil [Storm](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-colorway) electrifies as Lil Kim is transformed into Storm in an expected sultry pose. Finally, [Notorious T.H.I.N.G.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-notorious-big) pays honor to the departed Biggie as a badass cigar-smoking Thing from the Fantastic Four. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hip Hop Superhero Mashups:** There is an opportunity to create unique merchandise, such as clothing and collectibles, that combines elements of hip hop and superhero culture. - **Humorous Photorealistic Portraits:** By merging humor and realism, artists can explore new ways to showcase famous personalities or characters in a visually captivating way. - **Fantastical Gangster Art:** Artists can experiment with combining elements of fantasy and urban culture to create captivating pieces that appeal to a wide range of audiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** Art galleries and museums can explore showcasing artwork that merges pop culture, hip hop, and comic book influences. - **Merchandise:** The hip hop and superhero mashup trend opens up opportunities for merchandise companies to create unique products that cater to fans of both genres. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands can collaborate with artists to create clothing lines that blend hip hop style with superhero aesthetics, targeting fashion-forward consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md) - [Cosmic-Themed Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmicthemed-art-exhibition.md) - [Hip Hop Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-fly-and-fabulous.md) - [Provoking Graffiti Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-ruggeri.md) - [Sneaker Fused Ceramic Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip-exhibition.md) - [Street Art Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frieze-los-angeles.md) - [Comic Collab Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovo-x-marvel.md) - [Artist-Centric Networking Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-x-snipes.md) - [Urban Sneaker-Inspired Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-of-graffiti1.md)