The ever-inspired creative and cultural icon Futura2000, who began his career as a boundary-breaking graffiti artist in New York, continues to experiment and explore with a visceral layering of mind, body, and soul. This year, in the name of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Futura united once again with longstanding collaborator Nike on effervescent clothing designs for breaking’s inaugural participation as a revelatory Olympic sport. In addition, a fruitful partnership with the visionary Marc Jacobs produced a dazzling capsule collection enhanced by the artist’s singular artwork. Whitewall spoke with the timeless creative about the biggest show of his life opening at The Bronx Museum, and finally seeing his name in neon thanks to Yellowpop.
Portrait of Futura 2000, courtesy of the artist.
WHITEWALL: This summer, you collaborated with Nike on a partnership for the Olympics in Paris. Can you tell us a bit about what that entailed?
FUTURA2000: I was providing designs for various breaking kits, which included the USA, Japan, and South Korea.
A Decades-Long Friendship Endures And Evolves
WW: You’ve been a longtime collaborator of Nike’s. How does it feel to work with a brand with this reach to amplify your artistic message?
F: My relationship with Nike began back in 2002, and over decades we have built a friendship and developed a very strong foundation. I am super fortunate to have the opportunity to express myself over such iconic silhouettes. Think Nike SB.
“I am super fortunate to have the opportunity to express myself over such iconic silhouettes,”
Futura2000
Marc Jacobs x Futura2000, courtesy of the artist.
Collaborating on the Marc Jacobs Capsule Collection
WW: You also recently collaborated with Marc Jacobs on a capsule collection. How did this come about? What was it like working with Marc?
F: We met properly a few years ago, finally, as he visited my studio. but of course Marc has been an icon here in the city since forever, and we had probably rubbed elbows at numerous events over the years. It was so exciting working with Marc, it was a dream. He was so generous with the creation of our collection.
“It was so exciting working with Marc, it was a dream,”
Futura
WW: What is included in the collection? What artworks of yours grace the garments/accessories?
F: Atomic elements, characters, a monogram lockup, some jewelry accessories and “The Tote Bag” in denim and leather. We also have a very imaginative bag, based on a prominent figure from my toolbox.
Marc Jacobs x Futura2000, courtesy of the artist.
“Breaking Out” Opens at the Bronx Museum
WW: Over the weekend, your retrospective show “Breaking Out” opened at the Bronx Museum. What does having a show of this caliber mean to you?
F: Yes, that happened too. Wow, quite the week indeed. The Bronx Museum opening for me is perhaps the biggest show of my life, and it’s an honor to have this moment. I’m kinda speechless regarding all that, and I’m still processing it all.
“The Bronx Museum opening for me is perhaps the biggest show of my life, and it’s an honor to have this moment,”
Futura
WW: For those who know and love your work, what unseen or rarely-seen pieces of yours are included in the show?
F: I might suggest UNDER METROPOLIS, one piece from the 80’s, or COLORFORMS, one from the 90’s. Both classics, which I hadn’t physically seen, since they were painted. wonderful to see the old work, up close and personal. I can almost remember the aromas.
Installation view of “FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT” at The Bronx Museum, photo by Argenis Apolinario, 2024, courtesy of the artist and the museum.
Installation view of “FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT” at The Bronx Museum, photo by Argenis Apolinario, 2024, courtesy of the artist and the museum.
WW: For those that are new to your work, what do you hope they learn about you and your artistic practice?
F: I’m spontaneous and I usually paint first, and ask questions later. I almost dance with my creativity and allow what I do, what steps I take, dictate the continuing action. I’m an anomaly, but I’m also an enigma.
“I’m spontaneous and I usually paint first, and ask questions later,”
Futura
WW: The show is the most comprehensive show from your five decades in the art world. What message do you hope visitors walk away with?
F: The exhibition allows the audience to experience my story, but also the story of my movement and the history I share with my culture. I hope the takeaway is one of understanding who I am, and that even from my very humble beginnings, I was able to time travel to the present.
Installation view of “FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT” at The Bronx Museum, photo by Argenis Apolinario, 2024, courtesy of the artist and the museum.
Launching a Neon Collection with Yellowpop
WW: You also recently launched a neon collection with Yellowpop. Tell us a bit about working with the brand to imagine some of your most iconic pieces in light.
F: Everyone says “I wanna see my name up in lights” but that’s like a teen idol mindset, on some marquee at the local cinema. I always wanted to see my name in neon. Thank you, Yellowpop, for making that happen, our project was very illuminating.
WW: What are you looking forward to doing this fall?
F: The future is unwritten and survival is the art of staying alive. When I get there, I’ll have a situation report.
