Futura 2000 studio

[The Hipster]

http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/header.jpg
Contributing to the art scenery for over three decades, graffiti legend Futura helped spawn a visual legacy that brought an underworld culture to the front row of civilization. Formerly known as Futura 2000, he is one of New York's original graffiti writers who started tagging subway trains, buildings, bridges and other urban structures back in the late seventies. His search for an identity drove him to use unfriendly surroundings to manifest his existence. He spray-painted his tag on the subways for years, thus contributing to the creation of an exciting visual universe. Futura's work signalled the beginning of an emerging urban movement referred to as the "ghettover," which is the art of using the street as canvas.
Years later, the controversy caused by graffiti still lingers. But ground has been broken and the lifestyle is beginning to be accepted by mainstream culture. The influence of the graffiti aesthetic has seeped into culture through clothing companies, advertising agencies, sneakers and slang. Today's society is bathing in street culture. Futura is a child of and a creator of these cultural changes. If you're familiar with his work then you know that his eclectic path (from tagging trains and rapping with the Clash to exhibitions in sophisticated galleries around the globe and creating graphic design, toys,clothing, sneakers) has brought him notoriety, wealth and a cult following among culture vultures. Besides his undeniable talent, this artist still strives for extraordinary status and keeps his research going from the maze of his Brooklyn studios.

Come with us on a visit to Futura's studio, where we survey his vast collection of art, toys and collectibles, and check out the tools of his trade.


http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura02.jpg
tura's office/studio in Williamsburg, BrooklynA view of Brooklyn from Hope St.

[The Hipster]

http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura04.jpg
...Entering the Futura chamber...Collection of work by the artist
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura03.jpg
Crammed "Warwork" by Lee Quinones, Futura and Bape
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura08.jpg
Camo boxAlways ready to go
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura01.jpg
The playpen station Favorite things in red

[The Hipster]

http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura06.jpg
Krylon and Futura spray cans
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura07.jpg
Left) Futura "Technique" figurine was a prototype for Umbrella, Film/Medicom (Center) Futura's "1000%" figure: prototype for Kubrick Toys (Right) Nick's Futura tattoo
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura11.jpg
Left) Detail of "skeleton boards" for Deitch Gallery (Center) Futura/Medicom spraypainted "400%" figure (Right) A favorite cap, "Fumes"
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura09.jpg
Detail of "Blu," spraypaint on metalAnother detail of "Blu," spraypaint on metal
http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura10.jpg
"Sony Plaza"Closeup of the "Sony Plaza"

[The Hipster]

http://www.papermag.com/paperdaily/paperclips/03paperclips/artists_studio/futura/images/futura12.jpg
James vs. Nigo" toys by Futura for Bape Studio camo installation: Baby Milo soldier & Bapsi can

link (http://www.papermag.com)

[defstro]

Cool pics but I'm wondering why the Doze Green "Travela" figure is reffered to as the Futura "Technique" figurine?

[caffeine]

Futura has his own paint brand?

[<KEY3>]

lego desk! nice!

I think it was raven who mentioned that before.

[JUSTONE]

did he buff the throwie outside his studio?

[Al Green]

is it a full desk? or is it just 3 walls around his lcd screen. btw i always wanted one of those lego stereos.. i wish there were more flics of his military equip.///camo and so forth.

[The Hipster]

i wish there were more flics of his military equip.///camo and so forth.

http://home.dti.net/futura/greenz.htm

[The Hipster]

is it a full desk? or is it just 3 walls around his lcd screen

stolen

http://img177.exs.cx/img177/1863/image276cedb84a3f11d90ci.jpg

[Al Green]

ok.. thats pretty fresh.. i want to make one. the colors of some of the blocks are pretty interesting.

[imported_Europe]

Futura 2000 first show in Scandinavia opens April 1st 2005 at V1 Gallery in Copenhagen.

http://www.v-1.dk/futura.gif

[The Hipster]

Year in Pictures

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/8eeffd07ad.jpg
Interview with Futura 2000
http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/eb6ac7c8a5.jpg
Can you tell me how this exhibition came to be?

Well, I'm friends with Patrick from Faile and I heard that this gallery was trying to get different artists to come out and I never been here before, so I was excited to come.



Tell me about the pictures you are doing for this show?

The show is called The Year in Pictures and I'm showing a bunch of photos, it's actually six pieces and like 25 photos per piece, and then there are going to be 20 drawings that I'm gonna do, collage stuff, and two canvases. So there'll be like paintings, drawings and photography. The photos are kind of an inside to my world during the last year, places I've been, pictures I've been taking.



Can you please be a little bit more specific?

Well, it's just general digital photos, that I've been printing our, nothing crazy. I'm not necessarily photographer, but these days, everyone has a camera, trying to document there life... you know, it's pictures

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/cea947d8ac.jpg


Kind of a way to tell a story, perhaps?

Yeah, kind of, I think the pictures speaks for themselves, really, like I said, it's pictures from every place I been to in the last year, which have been many places. It should be cool. I like to look at photos, and when you don?t know people. I think it's an interesting way to get an idea of who you or they are, a way, that my work doesn?t translate as well. I'm very much identified with my visual work, my characters,

the work that people know me for, so I also wanted to show something, they didn?t expected to see.



How do you keep reinventing your creativity?

I don?t know if it's a reinvention so much as an adaptation to what?s going on around me. In certain points of my carrier, I've been exposed to changes and I've embraced them, rather than staying in one specific way. I'm always looking for new things to do anyway and inevitably because I'm an older person in this movement, I got there first. it's not my own fault, but 12 years ago or so, when all of this sort

of technology started happening and new mediums became available, computing and stuff, I just sort of adapted to it. Naturally.

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/091adaf243.jpg
http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/4e212778e4.jpg

How did you feel at first, working for these mayor corporations?

Given the nature of what I first did with them, which was a charity-event where I ended up raising like 80.000$ for the New York City Coalition for the Homeless, the introduction to a big corporation, was cool, because it wasn?t all about money, it was taking there money and doing something positive with them. It really depends on who you?re working with, if they make it corporate or if they are cool about it. In the beginning I was a little careful about it, whether they where going to take advantage of me, but... I did a thing with CK (Calvin Klein) a year or two ago, with Espo and Delta, and they kind of took advantage of us, because they where so big, and we couldn?t control how many pieces they made and they made more, than they said they would do. But my relationship with Nike is really good and I have like five shoes I've made with them, so thats a cool gig.



And you can still be free as an artist?

Sure, they just let me do what ever I wanna do, basically, because they know that this art, if you will, is what the kids are gonna get of on. There are no restriction, they just want to exploit us to the ultimate, they just want to push it as far as it can go. it's a good team and I happen to know one of the presidents, so it's not like on a middle level where I'm just working with some people in an office, I'm looked after.



What do you think of the street art, that has developed during the past, let?s say 5-7 years?

I don't see it so much in New York, because it's not really there on any mayor level, but in Europe and other American cities, there are some sort of graffiti or street-art, it's a fine line now, what is what, but when the artists there get a chance to get a show, it's not the same anymore. There is a kind of legitimacy and illegitimacy of illegal work, it's there at the risk of the artist, arrest, bla bla, so There's a kind of cycle that goes on in the public space, which is good and it's obviously growing in the last decade, maybe to or three, since we started in New York? There's a movement!

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/bd3ec603b1.jpg

What do you think of the fine line between art, street-art, design, commercials etc?

it's really all art. There are certainly beauty in a lot of things that people do, that aren't considered as being art.



Do you consider yourself as being an political artist?

Not really, I mean, I have my political views, but it's more in my words, what I say and what I write, than in what I create. I don't think I will use that venue or vehicle to be political.



Did you use to?

What I did back then, was more rebellious. I had more anger, why I was angry I don't really know, but my friends told me, yo, you should be angry, so I guess I was angry. it's interesting, I could go there, I could start to do that, now that I feel, I have more people looking at what I'm doing, then I could use that as a mean to express myself politically, but, we?ll see... I don't consciously do it. If I do it unconsciously, that's good.



Because then it's just expressing a part of who you are...?

Yeah, I mean, like coming out here... I could have done the pieces in New York, but I like to come to a place and just sense what is going on. A part of the collages is all these Danish papers. it's making the experience of being here, more natural, I'm working with what ever people have, it's not like, I need this and I need that, I don't need anything specific and I just do whatever I can under the given circumstances. I'll come up with something.



Is that a common way for you to work?

When I'm not a home, yes, I have a studio, where I work. But the nature of being a graffiti writer, I guess from the beginning, is like youre doing your work in a public space. Not really on a performance level. I don't want people standing there watching me necessarily, but I'm cool with just going to a place and just use the local resources, paint, what ever.

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/4cadf9b095.jpg
http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/b7bf1182ff.jpg

So you are always inspired by what surrounds you?

I look for that, yes, you know, yesterday I arrived here, and sort of tried to soak up Copenhagen, I don't know how that translate into my doings, but I have some feelings about it, I like to think about it, at least. I don't wanna be like, "oh, I'm from New York", I'm over it?, I really like to come here, it's nice. I've been all over Europe but never here. I also know when I come to a place, I don't wanna come back to, but I would like to come back here.



Have you done any research on Denmark?

Like I said, I'm barely here a day, but I have some time after the opening to check out some cultural touristic things, I would like to do that.



What other sources of inspiration do you have? Like art fx?

The thing is that the stuff I do is all part of my own universe, my iconography, my imagery, my sort of tool box of stuff, so I draw from that a lot. But I'm influenced by really everything. I just wanna be in some good energy as well, because it's hard to be creative, when you got problems or you are stressed out about something, so I try not to freak out.



How strongly do you feel connected to the graffiti-scene today?

I don't feel very strong at all, physically, I don't have any urge to go tagging, I don't do that anymore. Even in the life of a graffiti-writer, there are certain areas where you could'nt and should'nt do that. Like municipal buildings are kind of a taboo, because there's enough negative space that you can use, if you want to make it look better instead of being sort of vandal about it. But today I'm only connected to the writers in historic sense. Like if There's a school of graffiti that you can graduate from, then I'm a graduate. My name is listed as a member of that club, or what ever you wanna call it. I'm not currently out there, I don't have that feeling, I would'nt do anything illegal, because I would'nt wanna get caught. I would be into legal project and I'm working on some with other artists, I'm into collaborations, but it's gotta be the right place and the right artists.


http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/cf578a212b.jpg
http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/b55b1d4ad8.jpg

What about the contemporary art-scene, do you feel connected to that?

I haven't had shows in a while, and I've been trying to make it as a commercial artist. People are into my work on some level, but I've always had a problem with galleries, I don't quite know if I wanna be in galleries anymore. it's something I did, I mean, I have a long list of exhibitions I've been doing, and I guess to a potential buyer, that might make an impression on them, but for me... I did all of that already, so in the new millennium, I'm looking for other things to do and rather than a legitimate show in a very serious gallery, I rather do something alternative, like one weekend only in raw space. Not so serious. That kind of serious art-world scene, is not my place. I don't think it would be amazing to have a piece in a big museum, I'm not ambitious like that and I'm not looking for that high artist label anymore. In the eighties I was part of a bigger scene, but I was just kinda following what everyone was doing, and finally I realized, that it was tough to compete in this world. We didn?t have the formal education, we were not really aware of art-history in general. When I first started painting, people where comparing me to different artists, whose names I never heard of. So, I'm great about this show and I'm excited about these guys here, they're really kinda fresh, and they're doing something really cool here, so it's more like supporting this whole scene globally. Like I said, for me it was just coming here, finally. Traveling is one of the better things you can do in education and awareness.

http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/8017f0fe32.jpg

How does it feel to be a living legend?

I don't know, I'm not really comfortable with that, it's almost a joke with me and my kids, but I don't really think about it.



it's okay, a lot of other people do...

it's good, but they should'nt loose sleep. It's not something I concern myself with, because honestly I think I still have a lot of great things I'm gonna be able to do. I'm sure of that and I'm very motivated to keep going, I'm thinking "I almost got enough of money, so I could disappear", I'm gonna be here for a minute, a few more years, and I wanna get into try a film, maybe do a music videos, a commercial, get a one minute spot, 15 seconds, just try to get into the ground floor and see what happens. I have a good sensibility about imagery and the idea of sound and There's a lot of exciting things I wanna do, so I'm looking at where to go to next.



Are you always looking for new areas to move into?

definitely. I don't wanna get comfortable and just stay in one place. Also in my own journey, there are people who have been following me in some way, whether they have been inspired by what I've done or influenced to some degree, so I'm always aware of that, looking behind, and I also wanna change direction, so that everybody?s not on me all the time. So keep them guessing, that's what I'm doing and keep myself guessing!


http://www.kopenhagen.dk/typo3temp/pics/28be9805e3.jpg

It seems like you have always had an ongoing fascination with the future? What do you think of the future now?

It seems possible, I don't know. My kids are growing up, my daughter is going to be 15 and my son is 21 so I have young adult kids, and thats really exciting and we have a great interaction and that keeps me young. I just want to minimize the mistakes I make in concern of working with the big corporation.



Do you see some main-themes that you are following?

I like I'm on this long journey to something I really don't know what is, and I obviously don't feel, that I have gotten there yet. So even though people say, that I have done all these great things I don't feel quite personally fulfilled yet. I could kick back and be like, hey, check out my resume, don't you know who I am, but I still feel, that There's something in me, that hasn?t got out yet, which is encouraging. it's not that I'm not satisfied, I just think there's more




What would you say, would be the main turning points of your career in the last 30 years?

Probably in the early eighties, hooking up with The Clash, I think that was a mayor thing for my career as far as getting recognition. I worked with this very high profiled group and because they where very popular, people where accepting me as well, I was very fortunate to meet them and I think that helped a lot. Ultimately they broke up, and that wave was really short. I don?t know, the birth of my children, that sort of epic moments in my life, but mostly... launching my internet-site in 1996 was a big jump to me, realizing the worldwide audience that where kind of growing and being born at that time... working for Nike has been recently great.

[The Hipster]

http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/top.jpg

Graffiti.



Child of New York.
Today that child has grown and has spawned children of its own traversing from street into gallery.
Of recent, EM had the opportunity to interview offspring of one of Graffiti's finest.

His name is Futura. Please join us.

*******

EM: Tell us where you grew up. What were your influences as a child?

Futura: I was born in New York City. The ’64/’65 World's Fair (ages nine and ten) was my earliest memorable influential life experience. Multiple trips to multiple cultures, and in that period I probably went dozens of times between school trips and those with family and friends. My father getting mugged in Central Park is however one particular summer day to remember; in that one of the bad guys from a party of eight held my hand and gave me a lollipop. (laugh) I guess that influenced my fear of dentists…

EM: What were your interests before you began doing graffiti?

F: Being a kid, a daredevil, a class clown that studied hard. played alot of sports, baseball and hockey especially, loved speed skating. Worked at the YMCA with youth programs, was seriously into (Scouting) and (Chess). Babysat for everyone in my neighborhood and walked dogs before clean up was the law. As an only child I had a lot of imagination but no artistic interests.

EM: New York subway culture had an important role in as far as letting names of graffiti writers known throughout the city. Today the medium has changed from subway to gallery. The United Graffiti Artists (UGA) were a grouping of graffiti artists who spearheaded this transition. Tell us about UGA and following do you find it a bit ironic that the very art which was initially met with public resistance, is today finding itself in public grace?

F: The movement/culture pre dates any organized groups, and or - attempts to transition that movement/culture (to the public) which is of course different than (in the public). From the start, fame via anonymity, and rumor via gossip, created the underground heroes of the NYC subway system. But having said that, the United Graffiti Artists were the first (group) to emerge from the Mecca of the worldwide phenomenon.

At that time, I was a pure fanatic. Almost groupie like and I didn't know anything (really) about galleries, museums, art or the "art world". The exposure to these spaces and such creative diversity would have a very profound effect on me. I knew a lot about graffiti but I was now learning a little about style.

EM: Following there is this debate in regards to street art and fine art. In your opinion was and is street art fine art to begin with? And if so, what factors do you think came into play?

F: A very interesting topic of discussion I am quite sure will historically change with time. In my day, during the first round of (talks), it was widely suggested that street art was (not) in fact fine art, and that was pretty much that. These days contemporary artists can offer more arguments as to where that line is actually drawn. I don't think about it too much, as my current strategy is to bypass and flank the (art world). I am not seeking their audience.

EM: Tell us about the "Pointman" character. How did its conception come about?

F: The genesis of these characters can be seen as far back as twenty years ago. Although primitive, they were emerging. But it wasn't until my work for Mo Wax and James LaVelle in ‘92, that they really started to take shape. What had begun as rough sketches had become the birth of the UNKLE logo and subsequently the (Pointman).

http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/futuradosmil.jpg

EM: I understand that you derived your name from "2001 Space Odyssey." There is this theory that science fiction had much influence on what we define as street culture today due to the fact that many participants of it came from backgrounds with limited resources hence forcing individuals to look beyond the scope of reality. What are you thoughts on that?

F: Really? There may be some truth to that. The name may be a direct (Stanley Kubrick) connection, but my favorite film of that genre would be (THX1138). I know that I'm from a (B Movie) generation of sci-fi films, which certainly inspired the likes of Lucas & Spielberg and many including myself. Seeing the men on the moon was a very big event when I was 14 and it still seems like some unbelievable concept today. How that effects what I am doing these days is unclear. the fact that we are now in (the future), I was so amazed by thirty years ago, makes the name (futura2000) obsolete. And the future now surely looks less romantic.


http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/two.jpg

EM: What is your opinion about art schools. Do you feel that it creates structure for them or that it limits the creative expression of one's vision?

F: Schools (which I never went to) should be exploited for everything they can offer. The physical tools they provide, resources and technologies must be maximized. This approach assumes the individual is (already) creatively motivated and doesn't need direction which would cancel my ability to speak for those who do not.

The (mode/model/mold) I have created doesn't fit anyone else, that's the beauty of (it) and them all. These questions/answers must be confronted on a person to person basis.

What is the desire? The love? The hunger of/in each one of us?

That is what is most important.

No one should ever limit themselves or let others dictate what limitations should be.

EM: You regard Phase II as a pioneer in lettering and spray-painting techniques. What was it in particular that made him a source of inspiration?

F: For me (Phase II) just represents the (style) of my generation, past and present. As a (writer), as a (lyricist), as a (painter), as a (historian), as a (sculptor), among the huge talent pool that is the history of NYC graffiti, he still may be atop the food chain.

EM: You have an immense following in Japan. The general public seems to be very perceptive to your art. What are your thoughts on Japan in regards to street culture.

F: Everyone should spend 15 days in Japan. But then that's easy for me to say, I love it there! It's like my (other) life but I really love the juxtaposition of it all. The "internationally unknown" aspect of the mythology…I could stand at 42nd street and Broadway for 24 hours and never get noticed let alone, approached. But I couldn't last 24 minutes at Shibuya crossing without numerous photo and/or signature opportunities (bowing) arigato.

EM: Surely you must have some interesting stories while painting. Would you care to share some with us?

F: Well there was this other one time when Dondi, Zephyr, and myself were painting in Hong Kong. It was a vast office complex that was being renovated and we were invited over and asked to (decorate) the unfinished walls as they were doing construction and installing the electrical and plumbing fixtures. With all the activity going on around us, a major crew and huge fans dispersing aerosol fumes throughout the space, we took a break for the first class catering and champagne pouring which celebrated our arrival as "world famous graffiti artists," complete with local television media coverage. We often looked back and thought, how out of context that entire trip was, but in retrospect one of my all time favorites. Maybe it was the first glimpse of things to come? ‘Cause what we were doing certainly wasn't (graffiti) even though we "replicated the atmosphere."


http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/blazer.jpg

EM: I understand that Recon has three locations in New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Explain to us the concept.

F: My personal contribution to the RECON collaboration is limited, (some art direction) and I would refer to Stash for any accurate data concerning that part of public affairs. But in theory; the idea has been to establish bases of operation from which our forces can engage in a (hearts & minds) campaign with the local population.

EM: Recently you have worked with Nike on the Blazer shoe and I hear that you are working with Calvin Klein later this year on another project. Could you tell us a little about the process in doing such projects?

F: The Nike (Blazer) event has been very well received, as evidenced (via) the secondary markets. But a lot of money went to a worthy cause and for that I'm very happy. The process was painless in that there were no hassles with either realization. As for (CK), well I had doubts, until I saw the final product. They really let us (ESPO), (DELTA), and myself, go off. I think our bottles represent how edgy big corporates are willing to go.

EM: You used to be in the Navy, regardless you must have some strong sentiments about the current war being waged in Iraq.

F: I will always support our young men and women as they come under fire in any armed conflict. However I do reserve the right to question their mission.

EM: Do you find yourself expressing sociopolitical views in your art?

F: Strangely I never did. But obviously since (9/11) which for me; was/is deeper than the current engagement, I can't avoid the influences.

http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/missile.jpg

EM: You mentioned to me that your artwork is currently undergoing a rebirth of some sort; tell us what is influencing you today?

F: As always (everything) and the desire to move forward with my work. Develop my skills, practice…Now it's moving media. Quicktime, Final Cut, digital video, soundscapes, shorts, spots, narratives and "shit like that."

EM: On a lighter note tell us what you like to do on off days? How do you relax?

F: I would certainly admit that what I do, (isn't) work. So I am always doing things I like to do. My life management is three fold: domestic/professional/personal. I am very relaxed at the moment. I like answering questions, but can you untie my hands?

EM: (laugh) Don’t worry, in due time. If anyone were to visit New York, what spots would you recommend?

F: Well “none of the places I know.” Seriously, check the view from Greenpoint and maybe take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Try the (lobster) pan roast at the Oyster Bar, in Grand Central, (laugh) or maybe you'd prefer a lapdance at Circles in Queens.

EM: And last: What is your motto in life.

F: Avoid arrogance, complacency, and greed.

futuradosmil

http://www.evilmonito.com/014/futura/man.jpg


www.evilmonito.com

[The Hipster]

The following is some extracted pages from www.evilmonito.com issue 21 from an article entitled ‘People of New York’ .

http://www.evilmonito.com/021/article/people/5.jpg
http://www.evilmonito.com/021/article/people/6.jpg
http://www.evilmonito.com/021/article/people/7.jpg
....

[JesusMachine]

great thread!

[casekonly]

^^^ agreed

[JesusMachine]

upon closer inspection the paintings with the black dots are fucking hot. the texture is dope.

[Yellow Feets]

Wow. I feel like a groupie. Great thread. I want to visit his office and play with all the toys. Seriously. Great interviews as well.


-J.

[JesusMachine]

Just wondering, shouldn't this thread be somewhere else? Maybe untitled?

[JohnMC]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/denimjunkies/futura_x_dpmhi/futura29.jpg


Futura@DPMHI slides (http://photobucket.com/albums/y178/denimjunkies/futura_x_dpmhi/?action=view&current=futura28.jpg&slideshow=true&interval=3)

[The Hipster]

Futura @ dpmhi exhibition: 1 July - 30 July 2005
dpmhi
2-3 GPS
Great Pulteney Street
Soho
London W1

In a rare visit to the UK, the New York graffiti writer staged an exhibition of his artwork at the dpmhi gallery in Soho. He showed off original paintings and drawings, using his original cap-spray patterns, flexing his unique spraycan techniques.

He is a pioneer from the first generation of subway writers of the early 1970s and his abstract pieces have been compared to the work of Kandinsky. Futura (like his other graf peers) gradually found more mainstream acceptance in the early 1980s with fine art galleries showing his work in Europe, Japan and the States. He came to the UK in 1981 to collaborate with The Clash, producing artwork for their record sleeves and stage backdrops for their live shows.

In the 1990s, Futura became involved in various clothing labels including GFS, NFC and Project Dragon. His artwork also appeared on many Mo Wax Records releases, including, perhaps most famously, the pointman on James Lavelle and DJ Shadow's UNKLE project in 1994. He has since worked with maharishi clothing, Medicom Toy and Calvin Klein perfume, among many other clients.

Futura now has a legendary status in the urban art scene with hordes of fans around the world eagerly awaiting his new exhibitions and product releases. His last solo exhibition in the UK was held at maharishi's Churchill Gallery in 2001. He can also grab Futura Laboratories gear exclusively in Europe at the dpmhi store and dpmhi.com website. Futura's classic tag and a selection of other fresh graphics adorn this range of tees, sweats, hoodies, caps and accessories (such as socks, dogtags, lighters and moneyclips).

Big thanks to the guys at dpmhi for helping us put together this gallery. For more information, see:

www.futura2000.com

www.dpmhi.com

www.dopefiend.ca

[Fondles]

holy shit that studio has so much dope shit in it

a japanese collector would fuckin geek out in there

[The Hipster]

http://www.spinetv.com/index.php?v=301

Futura - SPINE TV

[The Hipster]

http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/fut3.jpg
http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/fut.jpg
front of collete for the tour de france
http://www.lamjc.com/

http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDPair.jpg
http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDLaserDetail.jpg
http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDLateral.jpg

[dumy]

pretty cool shoes..

[Joker]

Futura has been a big source of inspiration since I began writing back in 1985. To this day I still find what he does to be inspirational. I've taken a bit of the same turn as him though not with the same success. I can only hope to reach a fraction of his worth by the end.

Thanks for sharing all the goods.

[CIPHER_one]

fame=worth=untrue

[Joker]

Originally posted by CIPHER_one@Aug 19 2005, 06:26 PM
fame=worth=untrue
Quoted post



His fame has nothing to do with his worth, in my mind. His worth is his contribution.

[CIPHER_one]

Yes certainly, actually I think in that case fame could help. Exposure allows his contributions reach the masses.

Not to blow smoke up your ass, but as you well know there are those who would not hesitate to list you as a major influence in their art. What other contribution would one aspire to make?

[Joker]

"Not to blow smoke up your ass..."

I've heard this reference a fwe times now and it makes me wonder, does having smoke blown up your ass feel good?

I appreciate the compliment. Actually, the huge compliment. It means a lot that you posted that. Thank you.

I acknowledge that I've left my mark on a group of writers, and knowing that is an inspiration in itself to continue to reach further. For what we do I think it's the ultimate compliment. And yea, I shouldn't be asking for much more than that. And in all honesty, I'm not. I'm looking outside of writing now to reach new goals. Futura gave me inspiration when I was starting out as a new writer to do unconventional pieces. It took me a while to reach that point but eventually I did. And as far as writers go, his work was a means of inspiration all the time. Now that I've accomplished a lot in the world of writing I'm looking beyond it. And Futura is inspirational there as well.

Again, thanks fo the good words.

[CIPHER_one]

Sure thing, yeah I certainly understand what you're saying...but, I just thought it was important to know that the same reason you admire Futura and how he motivated you etc etc., is the same reasons all of these/us writers/artists respect/admire/appreciate your work so much.

And it seems as though you do realize that.

[gren1 bnc]

fresh.to.death.

[The Hipster]

Futura X North Face
Photos by Debre for Freshness
--
@ ATMOS · HARLEM NYC
203 West 125 st.
NY , NY 10027
212-666-2242
-----------------------------------

Some photos of the current Futura X North Face collaboration. Currently only available at the ATMOS store here in NYC. No further info is available but will update once more is available.

----------- (http://freshnessmag.com/content/features/files/0905/north_face_futura/index.php)

[STYLEISKING]

http://www.duncancumming.co.uk/photos/westway_futura1981.jpg
http://www.subwayoutlaws.com/Interviews/Futura2000/futura2copy_copy.jpgwtext.jpg

[flagrant foul]

Been to the man's studio A few times. The guy is just inspiring. OneLove. Keep it a live

[STYLEISKING]

http://www.wantedbombers.com/gallery/images/wantedbombers/oldschool_graffiti_special/17.jpg
old tag from holland

[yinz n'at]

those shoes are great

[STYLEISKING]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3952085637_412b0f23f9_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2873844054_6a6f866eba_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2873009533_76e25238d5_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2873011779_09a73b0fe0_b.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://sp3.fotolog.com/photo/51/52/112/oud_amsterdamsch/1233992742980_f.jpg
early europe?

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I67gj4UefWM

[Mercer]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2873009533_76e25238d5_b.jpg

This





http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDPair.jpg
http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDLaserDetail.jpg
http://www.lamjc.com/imgs/big/IDLateral.jpg

and these

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://www.mhistore.com/elements/stored/product_group_imgs/1269.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://riskrock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Futura-art-piece-401x590.jpg
http://riskrock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/ERO-Futura-590x402.jpg
http://riskrock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/FUTURA-_-590x417.jpg
http://riskrock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Futura-3-464x590.jpg
http://riskrock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/ERO1-394x590.jpg
This piece was on the Bane gallery in Los Angeles, on Melrose Blvd. in 1985. It really made me look at my life’s graffiti tour different…
FUTURA ON MELROSE 1985 TAMARA BANE GALLERY

The following was an underground show held in a vacant warehouse off of Venice Blvd. I don’t know how we came across this. We were out land pirating and we came across an open back door of this building. We were completely tripped out. We were more surprised they left a suitcase full of paint!!!

[ppp1zzle]

^^ thats krazy just stumblin upon a warehouse full of futura graffiti u nd ur friends were probably trippin hahaa

[STYLEISKING]

http://getnloose.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/392500443_f35f46cf61_o.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys6wdh11JZw&feature=player_embedded#!

[RIPS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp7EgQwsfEI

[CLICK-CLACK]

^^with all due respect to one of the greatest artists alive...I hate say this but that video went to crap as soon as "who am I" was painted.

[12ozProphet.com]

WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!

This contest will run all week until Friday - October 22, 2010 .. 6 p.m. EST

Click on any advertiser(non-12oz. paint shop ad) check out what the advertiser has to offer and while you are there
Take a screen grab on any page within the advertisers site and get 2 free weeks.
Each screen grab has to be from a different advertiser per day, you can only submit 2 screen grab ads per day, giving you 1 free month a day you participate. Thats 4 months if you send in 2 submissions a day until Friday.


Send me your screen grabs via Private message, we will update your account nightly. Please make sure you submit correctly, we will not reply back to submissions that are wrong.

DON'T send us your old screen shots from previous contests. We have them saved and will reference back to avoid schemers. We also know what ads are running, some have ended and some new ones have been dropped into rotation....

Enjoy…

This contest will run all week until Friday - October 22, 2010 .. 6 p.m. EST

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!!
WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP STATUS

[STYLEISKING]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4542561598_337f7c64ea.jpg

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

i always wanted a drawing from him what are the chances if getting something small that would fit in my blackbook? man that would just be to nice.....
MI:

[12ozProphet.com]

WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!

This contest will run all week until Friday - November 12, 2010 .. 6 p.m. EST

Click on any advertiser(non-12oz. paint shop ad) check out what the advertiser has to offer and while you are there
Take a screen grab on any page within the advertisers site and get 2 free weeks.
Each screen grab has to be from a different advertiser per day, you can only submit 2 screen grab ads per day, giving you 1 free month a day you participate. Thats 4 months if you send in 2 submissions a day until Friday.


Send me your screen grabs via Private message, we will update your account nightly. Please make sure you submit correctly, we will not reply back to submissions that are wrong.

DON'T send us your old screen shots from previous contests. We have them saved and will reference back to avoid schemers. We also know what ads are running, some have ended and some new ones have been dropped into rotation....

Enjoy…

This contest will run all week until Friday - November 12, 2010 .. 6 p.m. EST

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!!
WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP STATUS

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://www.hypebeast.com/image/2010/11/futura-el-pointman-iphone-4-case.jpg

http://www.hypebeast.com/image/2010/11/futura-laboratories-iphone-4-case-apple.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/yawn234/magazines/grafoutlaws2.jpg

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

anyone no where to get a drawing from of his work?
thanks
Mi:

[CLICK-CLACK]

It's gonna cost you a few stacks br0.

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

all i am looking is an 8 1/2 x 11 on paper how much can that cost? anycase how do i get a hold of him?

[CLICK-CLACK]

call him up: 867-5309

[CLICK-CLACK]

FL x Maharishi
http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/7048a.jpg
http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/7049a.jpg

[CLICK-CLACK]

FL X DESCENTE PHOTOSTREAM H.C.S. DOWN JACKET
http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/DSC_7935.jpg
http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/DSC_7936.jpg

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/DSC_9743.jpg
http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/DSC_9746.jpg

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://www.futuralaboratories.jp/cms/image/blogs/moniker-international-art-fair-london-2010-recap-8.jpg

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

call him up: 867-5309

thank you very much but what is the area code?
thanks
Mi

[CLICK-CLACK]

^^ facepalm.jpg

[Rolf Harris]

hahah what a cracker!!

there's a boy who runs a clothes shop in my city that sells a bit of maharishi and FHI shit.

he's got the biggest collection of futura clothing, artowrk and toys in the world seemingly...

gets invited to his birthday partys in NY. apparently i just missed him by half an hour one time goin into speak to a friend who works in the same shop. i was gutted...

cool story bro

[CLICK-CLACK]

back in the day it was mad easy to get futura gear stateside, at least in nyc. Stash and futura had a store call Subware but that folded. then we had recon and that folded as well. you should have seen the store closing sale...$5 usd tshirts and $30 hoodies. I was broke at the time but my wife bought me like 15 tshirts.

now all you can get is the stuff in nyc he did with nike (12oz had a feature) and some other brands and random vinyl toys at kid robot and toy tokyo. all the rest are japanese, but that shit is rape prices.

i'm not sure about the west coast though.

[FUTURADOSMIL]

MI:ONE M.P.C.

please contact me at your convenience; I have a DRAWING I'd like to send to you.
thank you.
LEONARD

[CLICK-CLACK]

Hey futura (if thats you), can you make a list of stockists of your gear stateside? Also, is there anyway you can make your blog in English as well.

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

i sent you a PM thanks and looking forward to getting your drawing.
MI:

[12ozProphet.com]

WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!

This contest will run all week until Friday - Jan 7, 2011 .. 6 p.m. EST

Click on any advertiser(non-12oz. paint shop ad) check out what the advertiser has to offer and while you are there
Take a screen grab on any page within the advertisers site and get 2 free weeks.
Each screen grab has to be from a different advertiser per day, you can only submit 2 screen grab ads per day, giving you 1 free month a day you participate. Thats 4 months if you send in 2 submissions a day until Friday.


Send me your screen grabs via Private message, we will update your account nightly. Please make sure you submit correctly, we will not reply back to submissions that are wrong.

DON'T send us your old screen shots from previous contests. We have them saved and will reference back to avoid schemers. We also know what ads are running, some have ended and some new ones have been dropped into rotation....

Enjoy…

This contest will run all week until Friday - Jan 7, 2011 .. 6 p.m. EST

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!!!!!!
WIN FREE MONTHS OF 12OZ. VIP STATUS

[FUTURADOSMIL]

MI:ONE M.P.C.

your ARTWORK is ENROUTE.

LEONARD

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

wow i dont no what to say other then thank you so very much and looking forward to having it.
Michael

[CLICK-CLACK]

http://da-flowteam.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/D2-20.png

[FUTURADOSMIL]

MR. CLICK-CLACK

you seem to know everything about me; my work and my business. you doubt. you boast. you exaggerate and you are misinformed. you are part of the PROBLEM; not part of the SOLUTION. your comments&actions send the wrong signals. it's not about "a few stacks" or "call him up" . . . ARE YOU FU*KING SERIOUS. do me a favor; and stop POSTING your worthless words or images.

MI:ONE M.P.C.

thank you for participating in this SOCIAL EXPERIMENT. when you receive your ARTWORK, I'm sure it will EXCEED your expectations.


LEONARD


MORAL of the STORY . . . this is a gift from (me) to a complete stranger. and trust me; it's not some GENERIC GIVEAWAY REPRODUCTION one might expect. or offer in a PROMOTION to sell SOMETHING. it's a (one of a kind) and (original) PIECE OF ART. think about the HUMANITY and show some HUMILITY.

[CLICK-CLACK]

No problem.

Edit: Internet: serious business

[STYLEISKING]

http://streetfiles.org/img/user/20603/L/EQXLXFebQ3pGTW63ybY41237837802.jpg
http://streetfiles.org/img/user/27031/L/driMSvPrawqJzs73Ckxb1257466667.jpg
http://streetfiles.org/img/user/35554/L/rLCcDWhPThtdmBWmJqXX1276588271.jpg
http://sp2.fotolog.com/photo/34/5/55/zkarxxx_1/1283879811661_f.jpg
http://sp2.fotolog.com/photo/34/5/55/zkarxxx_1/1283814042466_f.jpg
http://spe.fotolog.com/photo/62/26/74/oldskoollover/1262210690741_f.jpg
http://sp1.fotolog.com/photo/33/60/103/graffiti_writers/1247608920160_f.jpg
http://sp0.fotolog.com/photo/16/21/78/supamitch/1143801433_f.jpg
http://spa.fotolog.com/photo/42/23/84/doyoubelieve/1099294147_f.jpg
http://spa.fotolog.com/photo/26/17/109/gemoner/1188414900_f.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5384467878_5ddc1c2696.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5384467706_efe53bb800_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5240043816_8a6ec253b8_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4240915351_67e9f51997_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3941095780_f5c66fb495_b.jpg
watch the futura video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys6wdh11JZw

[STYLEISKING]

other videos;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAB9hAsmz4k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVZoT8BQKmo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DueHiX5hLT4

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

Wow its just amazing to see that there still people in this world that are willing to give with out expecting anything in return. i only hope that someday i will be able to meet you and just wanting to tell everyone here that i have never meet futura and yet he is sending me a an original piece of art to a complet stranger. this has change my outlook on things and from now forward i will be as humble as i can to show that there is still great people in this world. thanks again and as soon as i get it will cherish it.
thank you again
MI:

[alloverthetown]

i still got old subware shirts... Would have to do some serious digging for those. Like sketchy, visiting my parents to search for shit in the attic digging.

[FUTURADOSMIL]

MI:ONE M.P.C.
thank you for your sincerity.

LEONARD

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

just wanted to let everyone no thats has been following this thread. that futura sent me a teaser picture of what he is sending me and i cant wait to show everyone. all i can say is stand by as it is simply amazing and one of a kind....stay tuned and once i have it i will post pictures from every view point.
thanks again futura
Michael

[FUTURADOSMIL]

MI:ONE M.P.C.
please pardon our appearance . . . expect FEDERAL EXPRESS arrival tomorrow.

LEONARD

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

wow that was fast and thanks you...hope fedex comes early Lol

[beardo]

radical. looking forward to some pics.

really cool to do that for someone, futura.

[11372]

Legends pay their respects to those that apprecaite and respect them.....Futura is a class act and this is just another way he has proven that..

Respect....

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

Ok I received a package today from FUTURA 2000 stay tuned for more pictures. I cannot thank him enough for sending me a drawing. Not once did he ever ask me for Money for the drawing or for shipping cost………….what else can I say other then Thank you for your time,art and it will be greatly cherished for many years to come.
MI:ONE M.P.C.

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

here ya go.........Enjoy

[MaltLiquorJunior]

post it already!!

futura you are a true legend, respect.

i got one of your 12oz collaboration shirts it looks great your handstyle is very fresh

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

Enjoy!!!!!

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW TODAY ........

[JDI_]

Very nice. Definitely a class act.

Joker_TRNSCND

[beardo]

dig it

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

hope these are better....my other pc was not letting me re size or rotate ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,more pictures to follow.

[Tomfoolery]

um, what??

[THEATK]

thats it?
ahaha

[justaname]

this is a gift from (me) to a complete stranger. and trust me; it's not some GENERIC GIVEAWAY REPRODUCTION one might expect. or offer in a PROMOTION to sell SOMETHING. it's a (one of a kind) and (original) PIECE OF ART. think about the HUMANITY and show some HUMILITY.

Have always been a fan of this personality and this has taking it up to a few notches. MI:ONE, I hope you enjoy that piece.

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

Have always been a fan of this personality and this has taking it up to a few notches. MI:ONE, I hope you enjoy that piece.


Yes that piece is one of a kind and is not going anywere......Thank You Futura

[STYLEISKING]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5583527061_5ac7e7ef0f_b.jpg

[CheburatorKi]

So drunk...
Mmm..

Doesnt mattre

[STYLEISKING]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5615742573_87b65670eb_b.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://thegspotcolab.blog.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/00/03/22/46/3224680/files/the-gspot-colab-archives/futura2000cc.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://whatyouwrite.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/futura-stash2-1992.jpg
berlin 1992

[STYLEISKING]

http://arrestedmotion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/6046365124_66ed45803f_b.jpg

[spray_free]

^^ that wall in NY with Stash + Wane is awesome. Great to see a new Futura wall.

If anyone has any Futura prints or art, please message me.

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

Ask him yourself he is around here all the time ;-) he was nice enough to give me a one of a kind and I would never part with it. I believe he has a studio in newyork good luck and I am sure you can find what your looking for here.

[spray_free]

That's awesome MI:ONE, you're a lucky man.

For those in LA you may want to check out the '3 Kings' show.

http://www.subliminalprojects.com/main/future/

[MI:ONE M.P.C.]

yo Futura I finally got around to adding your art to my web page>>>>>>>>>>many many thanks again.
www.straphangersart.com

[STYLEISKING]

http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/08/18/a5bb5fce0d9e4b3e85b12fbd2918fece_7.jpg
http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/13/b7eb72a611b141ec9ce70e89ec3943d9_7.jpg
http://statigr.am/p/193481016907879455_3656236

[STYLEISKING]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOj0E_1vvWM/UAXI52SJ5SI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Vh8HO-S0wOI/s640/futura+barcelona.jpg
Futura Barcelona año 1989

[STYLEISKING]

http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/d6b55a96cedf11e19f8e22000a1d0105_7.jpg
http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/47a40980bf6011e1b9f1123138140926_7.jpg
http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/1b755f22ba8711e19894123138140d8c_7.jpg
http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/fa0fa5feb46411e1b00112313800c5e4_7.jpg
http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/3e83a02c9c9c11e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg
http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/93330620957c11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg

[STYLEISKING]

http://streetfiles.org/img/user/140059/L/Vag6fcXQiAj15bU6FiY71330280876.jpg
http://streetfiles.org/img/user/35554/L/rLCcDWhPThtdmBWmJqXX1276588271.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8526358980_e8b7525f57_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8314322462_4de685f17e_o.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8029997009_7a2a9d0c2e_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8029994901_c8c58d28ec_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/8029990562_1652cb7e80_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2338/2457081893_44bd46994a_m.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5182/5685594289_47246bcca2_b.jpg