First in our ‘Inspired By’ series is a look into one of most innovative and collaborative street artists going! In this post we are Inspired By : Futura2000

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Breaking the Mold

FUTURA 2000, born Leonard Hilton McGurr in 1955, emerged as a pioneering figure in the New York City graffiti scene of the 1970s. He gained recognition for his innovative approach to street art, introducing abstraction to what was primarily a letter-based discipline.In 1980, FUTURA created his groundbreaking "Break" whole car, a pivotal moment in graffiti history. This piece, covering an entire subway train, was a radical departure from conventional graffiti:

Abstract Composition: Instead of letters, FUTURA used abstract shapes and forms.
Color Palette: He employed a vibrant mix of blues, whites, and reds, creating a sense of movement and energy.
Technique: The piece showcased his innovative use of spray paint, creating fine lines and mists of color that were unprecedented in graffiti art.

This work not only set FUTURA apart from his peers but also paved the way for abstract graffiti as a legitimate art form. It demonstrated that street art could be more than just tags and throw-ups; it could be a medium for complex artistic expression

Artistic Style and Techniques

FUTURA's work is characterized by:

Abstract Approach to Graffiti:
Unlike many of his peers who focused on lettering and name tagging, FUTURA pioneered an abstract style in graffiti art. He moved away from traditional letter-based graffiti to create more abstract compositions
Spray Paint Techniques:
Ultra-thin lines: Ultra-thin lines: FUTURA is renowned for his ability to create extremely fine, precise lines using spray paint that resemble those made with an airbrush. This technique sets him apart and demonstrates his exceptional control over the medium
Turning the can upside down: Inverted can technique: He developed a method of turning the spray can upside down and using gravity to achieve precision lines. This innovative approach allows for greater control and unique effects.
Mists and fades: FUTURA contrasts his thin lines with larger mists of color and gradients. This creates dynamic compositions with varying textures and depths. FUTURA contrasts his thin lines with larger mists of color and gradients
Layering:
His paintings often feature multiple layers of paint, creating rich, textured surfaces
Color Theory:
FUTURA employs sophisticated use of color gradients to create depth and movement in his works
Gestural Marks:
His paintings incorporate gestural brush marks alongside spray paint techniques, adding dynamism to the compositions.
Large Empty Spaces:
FUTURA often leaves large areas of his canvases open, allowing forms to float across the surface and suggesting cosmic or expansive spaces
Recurring Motifs:
Atom shapes: Symbolizing perpetual motion
Crane or linear marks: Indicating moments of rupture
The "Pointman": An enigmatic robotic alien figure that appears in many of his works
Mixed Media Approach:
FUTURA incorporates various materials in his work, including acrylic paint, markers, and oil paint alongside spray paint.
Floor Painting:
Many of his paintings were created on the floor, allowing him to move around the canvas and approach the work from different angles
Stencils:
While evolving his style, FUTURA continued to use stencils alongside freehand spray techniques
Spontaneous approach: Despite his technical proficiency, FUTURA maintains a spontaneous approach to spray painting, allowing the work to evolve organically as he creates.
Custom tools: He has even invented an "aerosol can shaker" by modifying an electric tool, showcasing his dedication to innovating within the medium.
These techniques collectively contribute to FUTURA's distinctive abstract style, which bridges street art and fine art while pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with spray paint.
These techniques collectively contribute to FUTURA's distinctive style, which bridges street art, abstract expressionism, and contemporary fine art. His innovative approach to using spray paint and his ability to create refined, abstract compositions set him apart in the graffiti and contemporary art worlds

From Streets to Galleries

As the 1980s progressed, FUTURA's unique style caught the attention of the mainstream art world. His transition from subway cars to canvas was marked by several significant events:

1981: Participated in the groundbreaking "New York/New Wave" exhibition at PS1, alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring
1982: Collaborated with The Clash, designing their album artwork and live-painting during concerts.
1983: First solo gallery show at Fun Gallery in New York, cementing his status in the fine art world

FUTURA's gallery works retained the energy of his street art while exploring more complex themes and techniques. For example, his 1983 piece "Escapism" showcases his signature style:

Abstract Forms: Swirling, cosmic shapes reminiscent of galaxies and atomic structures.
Color Theory: A sophisticated use of color gradients, creating depth and movement.
Layering: Multiple layers of paint, building a rich, textured surface.

The Pointman Cometh

One of FUTURA's most iconic creations is the Pointman, a character that has become synonymous with his brand.

The Pointman character first appeared in 1988 when FUTURA was asked to design cover art for the British musical group UNKLE. It has since become one of his most recognizable and enduring creations.

Physical Characteristics:

Elongated head: The Pointman features a distinctively elongated cranium.
Oversized ears: Large, prominent ears are a key feature of the character.
Crustacean-inspired appendages: The limbs of the Pointman often resemble those of crustaceans, giving it an alien or robotic appearance.
Glaring expression: The face typically has a menacing or intense look.

Overall Appearance:

Robotic/Alien: The Pointman is described as having a robotic or extraterrestrial appearance.
Sinister aura: The character often exudes an unmistakably sinister or threatening presence.

Symbolic Meaning:

The Pointman is seen as an enigmatic figure in FUTURA's work, often interpreted as representing an alien presence or futuristic entity.
It embodies FUTURA's fascination with science fiction, technology, and the space age.

Variations:

While maintaining its core features, the Pointman has appeared in various forms across FUTURA's work.
It has been depicted in paintings, sculptures, and even as Limited edition toys and figurines, highly sought after by collectors.

Sculptural Representation:

3D renditions in various materials, from resin to bronze.
The FL-001 Pointman sculpture stands 1.76 meters tall, putting it at eye level with most viewers.
In its sculptural form, it's described as having a shimmering finish, sometimes intentionally stained with water marks to create a specific effect.

Cultural Impact:

The Pointman has become a signature element of FUTURA's work, instantly recognizable to graffiti and street art enthusiasts worldwide.
It has appeared in various collaborations and projects, extending beyond traditional art into fashion and product design.

Artistic Evolution:

Over the years, the Pointman has evolved alongside FUTURA's artistic style, appearing in various contexts and mediums while maintaining its core identity.

The Pointman represents a fusion of FUTURA's street art roots with his interest in futurism and technology, embodying the artist's unique vision and his ability to create iconic, instantly recognizable imagery that transcends traditional graffiti art

Collaboration King

FUTURA's collaborative spirit has led to partnerships across various industries:

Music:
- The Clash: In the early 1980s, FUTURA collaborated with The Clash, designing album artwork and even touring with them. He performed live graffiti on stage during their concerts and recorded a rap song called "The Escapades of Futura 2000," produced by the band.
- Unkle: FUTURA created iconic artwork for James Lavelle's Mo' Wax record label, including defining the visual identity of Lavelle's group UNKLE. Futura creates the iconic artwork for their debut album "Psyence Fiction" in 1998.
Fashion:
- Supreme: Multiple collaborations, including limited edition skate decks and apparel.
- Marc Jacobs: FUTURA has collaborated with Marc Jacobs on multiple occasions, including a recent 40th-anniversary capsule collection featuring his signature abstract artwork on items like The Tote Bag, The Snapshot, unisex denim, hoodies, and ready-to-wear clothing
- Nike: FUTURA has designed several sneaker lines for Nike, including the iconic FLOM (For Love or Money) Dunk High. In 2023, a pair of special edition FUTURA "FLOM" x Nike Dunk High Pro SB were auctioned off by Sotheby's for $63,000.
- OFF-WHITE: He worked with Virgil Abloh on the Spring/Summer 2020 show for OFF-WHITE, where his FL-002 sculpture anchored the show, and his paintings from 30 years ago were reimagined on garments
- Louis Vuitton: FUTURA was invited by Virgil Abloh to live paint the set during the Louis Vuitton Men's Fall/Winter 2019 show in Paris
- A Bathing Ape: FUTURA has collaborated with this popular Japanese streetwear brand
Automotive:
- BMW: Painted a custom M2 Competition for the brand in 2020, blending his abstract style with automotive design.
Art World Collaborations:
- Takashi Murakami: FUTURA has worked with the renowned Japanese contemporary artist

These collaborations showcase FUTURA's versatility and his ability to apply his artistic vision across different mediums and industries.

Futura’s Artwork for Unkle’s Album ‘Never Never Land’

FUTURA Laboratories: Where Art Meets Innovation

Launched in 1997, FUTURA Laboratories is more than just a design studio; it's a creative incubator where FUTURA's vision comes to life in various forms:

Clothing Lines: Streetwear collections that feature FUTURA's artwork and designs.
Limited Edition Prints: High-quality reproductions of his most famous works.
Accessories: Everything from bags to phone cases, all bearing FUTURA's distinctive style.

FUTURA Labs serves as a platform for the artist to experiment with new ideas and collaborate with emerging talents, ensuring his influence continues to shape contemporary culture.

The Legacy Continues

His art has been exhibited worldwide, including recent solo shows in Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

In 2024, FUTURA's influence on the art world remains as strong as ever. His retrospective "BREAKING OUT" at the Bronx Museum offers a comprehensive look at his five-decade career:

Early Works: Rare photographs and sketches from his subway art days.
Iconic Paintings: Major works from the 1980s and 1990s that defined his style.
Recent Creations: New pieces that showcase his continued evolution as an artist.

This exhibition not only celebrates FUTURA's past achievements but also highlights his ongoing relevance in the contemporary art scene.

FUTURA's Future

At 69, FUTURA continues to push boundaries and inspire new generations of artists. His recent projects include:

Digital Art: Exploring NFTs and digital platforms to reach new audiences.
Environmental Initiatives: Collaborating with eco-friendly brands to raise awareness about climate change.
Mentorship Programs: Working with young artists to nurture the next generation of creative talent.

FUTURA's journey from street artist to global icon is a testament to his innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to his craft. As he continues to evolve and create, one thing remains certain: the future of art is forever changed by FUTURA 2000.