FUTURA 2000

(B. 1955)

Untitled
1982

Footnotes

Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 1982



Exuding an exhilarating new aesthetic while reigning supreme in its expansive scale, Untitled from 1982 emerges as an extraordinary and iconic masterpiece created by one of the most important graffiti artists of our time. Made in one of the most experimental years of the artist's career, the present work, alongside other remarkable works from 'New York City Rap' tour gained notability due to an enduring collaboration between American graffiti artists Futura 2000 and Dondi. Works like these identified by their distinct visual language, played a pivotal role in not only shaping visual aesthetics in popular culture but also in elevating graffiti art from the fringes of subculture to the forefront of mainstream consciousness.

In Untitled, the sprayed striking primary colours overlayer a black tag, reminiscent of graffiti on a street wall, but created on a white canvas instead, the artist elevates it to the permanent, to the realm of high art. Monumental and expressive in its appearance, Futura used his whole body to create these vast works. Executed next to Dondi in the vibrant heart of Paris, the present work was a backdrop to hip-hop performers during 'New York City Rap' tour and exudes a distinct blend of abstract elements and textual nuances. Tagged twice and marked with the letters 'CC' symbolising the initials of his former wife, who he met in Paris on the tour, Untitled 1982 is brimming with personal significance, marking a pivotal and prolific chapter in the artist's oeuvre. These thoughtfully crafted components encapsulate the very essence of its place of origin, rendering it an unmistakable creation within the 'New York Rap City' paintings. Futura 2000's works from the 1980s are by far the most highly sought-after within the artist's market. This era not only witnessed the peak of his artistic productivity but also marked a surge of creativity and innovation in his work, whilst boldly challenges established artistic norms of the time.

Drawing direct inspiration from the revolutionary political climate of the 1960s, Futura 2000 embarked on excursions with friends in the early 70s, equipped with spray paint and an inclination for the cutting edge. These expeditions into the cityscape became acts of reinvention, transforming mundane public fixtures into vibrant canvases that brought art directly to the people. With each stroke, he redefined the conventional canvas, making art accessible to everyone in New York. His signature abstract forms and dynamic lines demonstrated in the present work, resonated with the spirit of the times. Graffiti art emerged as an unapologetic voice of rebellion and self-expression, artists painted their unique identities on break trains and public fixtures through 'tagging,' a crucial act in a country where public graffiti was prohibited, rendering them anonymous pioneers of urban expression. It was precisely this fascination with the concept of identity that beckoned Leonard Hilton McGurr into the realm of street art. Amidst the apex of advertising and consumer culture, he forged his artistic persona as Futura 2000, taking direct inspiration from the film '2001: A Space Odyssey,'.

Weathering challenges and unforeseen detours, he eventually found himself embracing an unexpected interlude in the Navy, a compelling twist that would soon enrich the captivating tapestry of his artistic journey. Upon his return the very landscape he once embellished had transformed, streets pulsated with a new artistic rhythm. The early 80s emerged as a turning point for Futura's work, fostering his unique style and refining his technical expertise. In this incubator of creativity, he gathered valuable wisdom from his avant-garde comrades, figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Fab 5 Freddy. A group of audacious visionaries, they formed a pioneering ensemble reshaping artistic boundaries, their creations igniting cities globally with the electric vibrancy of artistic expression.

In 1981, Futura's career started to gain traction after a celebrated collaboration with the legendary band 'The Clash'. An electrifying fusion of art and sound, this collaboration not only redefined the concert experience but also transcended creative realms, leaving an enduring mark on both music and visual expression. Furthermore, it shattered the conventions of traditional stage design, replacing static backdrops with a living, breathing masterpiece that evolved with every performance. This groundbreaking event was an innovation serving as a unique platform that united artists and performers, celebrating the vibrant culture of hip-pop.

Futura's work brims with stories of rebellion, identity, and the city's beating heart. His art captures the pulse of a generation, reflecting the socio-political climate and the human experience within it. The artist's encounters with likeminded innovators of the graffiti movement infused his work with a sense of camaraderie and collective spirit, elevating his creations beyond the canvas and into the realm of cultural conversation. Futura's contribution to the street art movement is not limited to the streets alone. His journey from subway cars to gallery walls signifies the evolution of an art form once considered subversive. He not only navigated this transition but also flourished within it, bringing the energy of the streets into spaces traditionally reserved for "high art". Untitled 1982 is an electrifying fusion of creativity and urban dynamism. It captures the essence of a moment, a movement, and a mindset. His style transcends medium and canvas, reaching deep into the collective subconscious of a city, a generation, and an art world transformed by his style.