Futura 2000: A Journey of Art and Resilience

Futura 2000’s exhibition “Breaking Out” at the Bronx Museum of the Arts encapsulates his remarkable journey from graffiti artist in Brooklyn to a revered multimedia innovator. Highlighting his groundbreaking 1980 subway piece “Break” and enduring collaborations with icons like Virgil Abloh, the retrospective from September 2023 to 2025 represents a significant validation of his contributions to art. With a blend of perseverance and creativity, Futura continues to inspire, marking his place alongside other influential artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Multimedia artist Futura 2000’s career retrospective at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, entitled “Breaking Out,” marks a defining moment in his artistic journey. This milestone, achieved after decades of unyielding perseverance, reflects a significant transition from the graffiti-laden streets of Brooklyn to transcendent collaborations with noted figures like Virgil Abloh, Uniqlo, and Nike. Acknowledged as a pivotal moment of affirmation within New York’s art scene, Futura has emerged from years of struggle to establish his name in a realm that often resisted him. Beginning his artistic explorations in the vibrant graffiti culture of the early 1970s, Futura’s distinctive blending of abstraction with science fiction themes quickly differentiated him from his peers. Inspired by the B-movies and black-and-white television shows of his youth, works like the 1980 subway piece “Break” exemplify his radical departure from conventional graffiti towards a more ethereal, abstract aesthetic. In this piece, a spray-painted subway car erupted in a vivid kaleidoscope of pastel colors, embodying the dreams of space travel influenced by seminal films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Alien.” Futura regards “Break” as not just an artwork, but the genesis of his entire creative endeavor. However, the transitory nature of graffiti soon seeped into his work; the piece lasted only three months before succumbing to the city’s cleaning efforts. The artist mused whimsically that remnants of the train may have sunk into the Atlantic Ocean to contribute to artificial reefs, blending his art’s eternal impermanence with nature’s reclamation. His path into gallery exhibitions proved to be riddled with rejections and frustration throughout the 1980s, where he encountered an unforgiving art world. “I was kind of just angry, because quite frankly I wasn’t succeeding,” Futura recalled, grappling with exploitation and disappointment. Yet, a turning point arose with the support of French fashion designer Agnès B in the early ’90s, who provided Futura with essential resources and opportunities during a low point in his career. She became a steadfast patron, championing his work and allowing him the creative freedom to explore streetwear and digital art forms, while still staying true to his roots as a spray painter. Futura’s innovative technique, notably inverting the spray can to achieve meticulous control, coupled with his desire to embrace spontaneity, has been instrumental in shaping his unique visual language. Now, with the upcoming retrospective, Futura celebrates this artistic journey, presenting a comprehensive narrative that encapsulates his evolution and resilience. As he prepares for “Breaking Out,” Futura envisions it not only as a showcase but also a moment of celebration, recognizing his solidarity with the legendary street artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat. This exhibition underscores a heartfelt narrative of resilience and triumph over adversity: “It’s been very improbable, my career,” he reflects. “I don’t think I would ever have imagined all this.” With a wink to the past, he confidently asserts, “we’re gonna rock the house!” Futura 2000: Breaking Out is set to enthrall visitors at the Bronx Museum of the Arts from September 8, 2023, to winter 2025, promising a multisensory dive into the life and legacy of a true pioneer.

Futura 2000, an influential multimedia artist, began his career in the heart of Brooklyn’s graffiti scene in the 1970s, where his unique style quickly distinguished him. Known for pioneering abstraction within graffiti, he drew inspiration from sci-fi films and classic television, transforming the streets into vibrant canvases. Overcoming decades of rejection in the formal art world, he experienced a pivotal transformation when he received support from key figures like fashion designer Agnès B. Now, his retrospective at the Bronx Museum serves as a culmination of years of dedication and innovation, celebrating his eclectic contributions to contemporary art and culture.

Futura 2000’s retrospective at the Bronx Museum embodies an impressive evolution from graffiti artist to a significant force in the contemporary art world. Through perseverance, innovative techniques, and influential collaborations, he has redefined not only his career but also the very trajectory of graffiti art. The exhibition “Breaking Out” offers a comprehensive look at his journey, celebrating his resilience and signaling a new era in his artistic expression. As he reflects on his improbable career, the impending showcase stands as a testament to his triumphs and a call to embrace the unexpected in the world of art.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com