Futura
New york, ny
//
B: Leonard Hilton McGurr
FUTURA is an artist whose practice first emerged within New York City’s graffiti movement in the 1970s, recognized for introducing abstraction into street art and bridging it with contemporary galleries since the early 1980s.
FUTURA, formerly FUTURA 2000, has collaborated across disciplines with artists, musicians, and designers, including The Clash, Supreme, Nike, Takashi Murakami, Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garçons, Agnès b., and KENZO. FUTURA’s work has been exhibited internationally and is included in major collections such as the New Museum (NY), MOCA (Los Angeles), Fondation Louis Vuitton (Paris), and Kaikai Kiki Gallery (Tokyo). From September 2024 to March 2025, the Bronx Museum of the Arts presented a comprehensive survey of his work and honored him at its annual gala. In 2020, Rizzoli published his monograph, FUTURA: The Artist’s Monograph, and his projects continue to shape the intersection of street culture, contemporary art, and fashion. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, and is represented by ICNCLST.
TIMELINE
Scroll through timeline
2025
FUTURA’s collaboration collection with Kenzo launches in Paris
Select works included in the NIGO and Pharrell Joopiter auction in Paris
Futura Laboratories and Crocs launch their second drop, “Flanyard” globally
FUTURA’s included in both the Buffalo AKG Public Art’s Ten Years book/show, and the Rammellzee show at Palais De Tokyo in Paris
Verdy and FUTURA Print are released worldwide
FUTURA at ComplexCon Hong Kong
The V1 Gallery show opened in Denmark, and the Bronx Museum Gala honored FUTURA in New York
Futura Laboratories and Malbon drop their collaboration collection online ahead of The Masters
Les Benjamins' clothing release took place at the BRED Festival in Abu Dhabi
FUTURA participates in the Gordon Matta-Clark discussion at the Whitney Museum in NYC
Participated in the Met Expert Talks: Baseball at The Met in New York, along with the Anthony Gallery show opening in Chicago
A Kenzo pop-up was held during Fashion Week in Paris, followed by the Kenzo Collection 2 collaboration launch
FUTURA made a visit to the Tecape property in Tunisia, including a mural painting
The Kenzo Collection Launches worldwide
FUTURA customizes a bike for Nigel Sylvester, featured in the Joopiter auction
The STAPLE collection launched with a conversation event in New York
FUTURA // Hot Wheels collaboration launches worldwide
The incense chamber became available for purchase at the NEIGHBORHOOD “30th Anniversary Exhibition” in the Laforet Museum, Harajuku
FUTURA Tee Shirt becomes for sale in the Virgil “World’s Fair” Exhibition in Paris, France
FUTURA does Mural painting at Curtis High School for Branded Arts in Staten Island, NYC
The second Kenzo collaboration launches in retail worldwide
FUTURA and The RZA collaborate at the Curtis High school presentation school theater in Staten Island, NYC
FUTURA celebrates 70th Birthday!
2024
Global Marc Jacobs Campaign is released, featuring 40 years of past and future collaborators
FUTURA // Salehe Bembury - Pollux Crocs are released - the first collaboration on the Pollux model
Third capsule collection with Supreme released
Crocs in-line models release, in jade and white
Futura Laboratories Participates in the first international ComplexCon, Hong Kong
Futura Akari show re-displayed at Milan Design week - Capsule Plaza
The Mets enlist Futura for the City Jersey campaign
Futuraland, a fully immersive experience, resurfaces at Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Duo Show with Revok - Held at Underdogs Gallery Lisbon, Portugal
Included in Beyond The Streets Hamptons Group Show, Southhampton NY
Nike Dunk SB released Worldwide, with global skate campaign and placement in Action, tier zero doors
Full Profile in Wall Street Journal
Vinyl collaboration release W/Nas, to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary
Nike Previews Break Dancing’s entry to The Olympic Games, with Futura as featured designer for team USA, Japan, Korea, as well as the official shoe for break dancing “The Jam”
Winning Weekend celebration at The Olympics 2024, with live art and celebration by Futura
Marc Jacobs // FUTURA - Global Campaign Launch
Marc Jacobs Launch + Pop up @ Prince st (New York)
Nike Breakdance “The Jam” In-line + Collaboration releases (Global)
“Breaking Out” opens at Bronx Museum (New York)
Futura Laboratories x Les Benjamins Capsule Collaboration launches in Turkey
Included in “City As Canvas” - Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, TN)
Futura Laboratories x Herschel Luggage FLOM Capsule release
ComplexCon Las Vegas Premiere
Participation in Verdy x Complex Gift Shop @ Faeina Miami, including print collaboration
2023
Alongside artist peers including Vhils, Eric Haze, and Shephard Fairey, FUTURA is featured in "Beyond The Streets London” at Saatchi Gallery, the first international exhibition by Beyond The Streets
Kenny Scharf and FUTURA are invited to create a collaborative painting for the "Basquiat x Warhol: Painting Four Hands" exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France
FUTURA creates a site-specific work for the Urban R[e]volution Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. The project includes installations by Vhils, Lee Quinones, Martha Cooper, Barry McGee, Jason Revok, Maya Hayuk, Shephard Fairey, Felipe Pantone, Swoon, Andre Saraiva, Obey SKTR, Tamara Alves, Add Fuel, Wasted Rita, AKACorleone, Nuno Viegas, and MaisMenos.
Alongside his longtime friends and collaborators Boris Tellegan and Mode 2, FUTURA participates in the "DeFuMo Does Berlin" group exhibition at Urban Spree Gallery in Germany
With fellow artists Takashi Murakami, ESPO, and many others, FUTURA participates in "Beyond The Streets China"—supported by Perrotin Gallery
FUTURA is featured in the museum show “Il Morso Delle Termiti” at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris—curated by Hugo Vitrani
As invited by Takashi Murakami, FUTURA exhibits works with Kaikai Kiki Gallery at the Armory Art Fair in New York
In collaboration with musician Nas, FUTURA creates custom vinyl record packaging—and a supporting tondo print—to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th anniversary
The group exhibition “Virgil Abloh: Ecosystems” launches at Galerie Kreo in Paris. FUTURA is included alongside artists Gordon Matta-Clark, Marcel Duchamp, Dondi White, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
2022
FUTURA is honored by Free Arts NYC at their annual gala—co-hosted by Marc Jacobs. He establishes a scholarship in his name for underserved youths with the non-profit—with major support from Supreme and generous art donations from friends such as KAWS.
In collaboration with artists Os Gemeos, FUTURA paints a large-scale mural at Bayside High School in Queens—documented by Martha Cooper
As part of the documentary series, The Warhol Diaries, FUTURA contributes a long-form interview, and makes several cameos during the flight of the show
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation executes its second collaboration with FUTURA, launching a post-embellished Akari lamp and print series—in addition to shooting a documentary of FUTURA creating the works in Isamu’s former artist studio in Long Island City
FUTURA hand-embellishes prints created by Virgil Abloh that are retailed at Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” show at the Brooklyn Museum
Potato Head Bali works with FUTURA to create a permanent 17+ foot sculpture at their resort in Bali—constructed entirely of recycled river and ocean plastics
2021
FUTURA presents a solo exhibition titled “Cast of Characters” at Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition exhibits painting, sculpture, and collaborative Akari lamps with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation.
Launches his first range of high fidelity collectible figures, and produces his first-ever “Futuraland” event, in partnership with SK Lam and All Rights Reserved in Hong Kong
Creates an official curriculum of “MasterClass” that teaches aspiring artists the technical skills and ethos of his studio practice
Launches first solo museum exhibition in South Korea titled “Humble Souls”, in partnership with the K-Pop music group BTS. The exhibition is held at Hybe Museum in Seoul, Korea.
“On The Road: Futura’s Works in Agnès B. Collection” launches in Paris at La Fab
Executes fashion capsule and correlating event with Pharrell Williams and his brand Billionaire Buys Club at Art Basel Miami Beach
2020
Debuts collaborative fashion collection with Comme des Garçons SHIRT at Paris Fashion Week
Is featured in the New York Times for his role in the Beyond The Streets Brooklyn exhibition
The Isamu Noguchi Museum in New York presents Futura Akari, an installation of Akari light sculptures hand-embellished by Futura
Launches a two-print set in collaboration with artist and friend Takashi Murakami. Begins Japanese gallery representation by Kaikai Kiki Gallery
Creates a large site-specific installation at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, leveraging his painting “Violent Treasure”
Included in the exhibition Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip Hop Generation at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Rizzoli New York publishes FUTURA: The Artist’s Monograph, the most in-depth and comprehensive survey of the life and career of the artist to date. A special-edition cover by Virgil Abloh is also produced.
Begins North America gallery representation by Eric Firestone Gallery. His first exhibition with the gallery is titled Futura 2000: Futura 2020. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition represented by a gallery in NYC in over 30 years.
2019
Live paints during the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall Winter 2019 Runway show in Paris, France. Also paints a fresco used on set for after-show photography and collection head-to-toe documenting.
Invited to paint a mural at the Rabat Biennale in Morocco
Creates a full mens and women’s fashion collection for Off-White—also featuring a collaborative Nike dunk low sneaker
Designs stage visuals for Virgil Abloh for Coachella
Collaborates with the New York Mets to create a special three-piece capsule collection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MLB team’s 1969 championship. At the launch game, he is able to throw out a first pitch to his son, Timothy.
Begins designing a full fashion collection with Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons
10 years after FUTURA’s mural debuted at Wynwood Walls in Miami, he is asked to repaint the wall for the new decade
On opening day of Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” museum exhibition at the MCA Chicago, FUTURA gives a talk with Virgil Abloh—moderated by Sky Gellatly
“Constellations”, his first solo exhibition in Singapore, launches with the Culture Story—curated by Jahan Loh. The exhibition title is a nod to FUTURA's service in the Navy, which included time in Singapore.
Opens Generation Z solo exhibition at the Mass Gallery in Tokyo, an amazing formal return to Japan. Friend and fashion designer Jun Takahashi creates the exhibition poster. The show features Futura’s first sculptures to be available in a gallery context.
2010s
2018
FUTURA begins a formal multi-year design collaboration with Virgil Abloh—later resulting in work for Off-White, Louis Vuitton, and Canary Yellow
Exhibits in the inaugural Beyond The Streets show in LA, alongside Takashi Murakami, REVOK, and Mister Cartoon—among many others
Collaborates with artist André Saravia on two-man exhibition titled “Chez Nous” in Paris
2017
Designs tour merchandise for major recording artist, The Weeknd for his “Starboy” tour
Launches first global fashion collection with Uniqlo—in partnership with Nigo
Creates a site-specific work for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel—at Colette in Paris—in adjacency to Pharrell Williams.
2016
“New Horizons”, a solo exhibition with gallery Library Street Collective, opens in Detroit
2015
Executes his first solo exhibition in Shanghai, commemorated with a collaborative tee-shirt designed by Virgil Abloh
Is commissioned to paint to lobby of Converse’s World Headquarters
Paints the iconic large-scale “Houston Bowery” wall in New York’s Soho neighborhood
Included in the Bridges of Graffiti group exhibition at the Venice Biennale. The sprawling exhibition also featuresHenry Chalfant, Doze Green, Todd James, Mode 2, Jay One, Boris Tellegan, Teach, Skki©, Eron and Zero-T.
2014
Is named as Art Director for the US Men’s National soccer team for the 2014 World Cup
Collaborates with LeBron James on a basketball court in Ohio, and on basketballs to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America
2013
Begins formal management representation by ICNCLST
Works with (RED), Apple, and Adobe on an AIDS-research fundraising project, “DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES”. Executes custom artwork as well for the United Nations Foundation
2012
Presents the "Future-Shock" solo exhibition in NYC during fashion week
Is featured as part of the “Deep Space” group exhibition featuring RAMMELLZEE, Phase 2 and Matta
Launches a global product collaboration with LVMH for the brand Hennessy
2011
The “Kindergarten” group exhibition featuring FUTURA, Mode 2, Delta, Os Gemeos, Kostas Seremetis and Tom Sachs goes on-view in Modena, Italy
2000s
2009
FUTURA paints his first site-specific mural at the now-famous Wynwood Walls in Miami
2008
As curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Roger Gastman, Futura participants in the “Art In The Streets” group exhibition by Jeffrey Deitch at MoCA
2007
FUTURA and artist Jose Parla execute the “Pirate Utopia” group exhibition in London
2006
FUTURA’s passion for cycling leads him to work with Nike on the Tour de France. He is included in a cycling-themed art exhibition titled “Stages” in partnership with Nike, exhibiting alongside artists such as Damien Hirst
2004
The first Futura Laboratories retail store opens in Fukuoka, Japan
FUTURA works with Nike SB on the FLOM (For Love Or Money) Dunk to commemorate the opening of his store in Japan. 24 pairs aere gifted to friends and family at the store’s opening.
2001
FUTURA produces an amazing multi-medium exhibition at the Parisian boutique Colette in Paris—on the eve of 9/11
2000
FUTURA formally drops the number “2000” from his tag
With designer Ben Dury, he works on his first in-depth “FUTURA” book
The heralded Command Z group exhibition, executed alongside with Stash, launches at Nigo’s A Bathing Ape store in Tokyo
The growing “street art movement” spawns re-interest in FUTURA’s early work, and leads to new brand collaborations with Supreme (2011, 2022), Stussy (2006), and Zoo York (1997, 2001)
1990s
1997
The Contents Under Pressure group exhibition with Lee Quiñones and Stash is produced in London
FUTURA formerly launched his own namesake commercial product brand: Futura Laboratories
1996
During Mo’ Wax’s tour of Japan, FUTURA meets artist and designer SK8THNG, who in turn introduces him to fashion designer and record producer Nigo. Nigo, SK8THING, and FUTURA go on to collaborate extensively on various projects for several years, including designing for Nigo’s fashion brand A Bathing Ape.
FUTURA launches his first website, www.futura2000.com which becomes an always-on extension of his imagination, and interest in connecting with people from all over the globe
1995
FUTURA and Stash continue to collaborate on various projects, now with the addition of Bleu under the name “BFS” (Bleu/Futura/Stash). They also venture out and launch Project Dragon, eventually leading to Stash’s opening of the streetwear shop Recon in NYC’s Lower East Side.
1994
Is part of the creative braintrust that develops the brand identity for Supreme, his friend James Jebbia’s NYC-based skate store and brand
1993
With a passion for cycling, FUTURA participates in the Cycle Messenger World Championships in Berlin and meets members of the British record label Mo’ Wax. The label thereafter purchases some of FUTURA’s work, and commissions him for album artwork.
1992
Establishes a collaborative cohort called “GFS” (Gerb/Futura/Stash) with friends Stash and Gerb. GFS is an early streetwear brand that produces shirts based in the popularity of graffiti culture
Discovers his love of personal computing, website coding, and graphic design based on a computer that his friend Gerb buys him
1990
FUTURA’s daughter, Tabatha McGurr, is born in France
1980s
1989
Is proud to present his Oeuvres Recentes solo exhibition at Musee de Vire, Normandie, France
1988
After some time focusing on family, and reappraising his future as an artist, FUTURA re-enters the art world thanks to a standout solo exhibition with gallerist Philippe Briet in his New York City gallery
FUTURA is introduced to iconic French fashion designer Agnes B, who becomes both a friend and patron/supporter. Agnes helps FUTURA establish a new studio in Williamsburg—with two years of rent benevolently pre-paid by the designer
1985
Galleries in New York City begin to eschew graffiti-derivative artists for exhibitions. Futura takes note, and begins to contemplate his life’s longterm vision and goals
1984
Is included in the exhibition Calligraffiti curated by Jeffrey Deitch in New York City
FUTURA creates Untitled, a monumental 6’ x 35’ painting for the exhibition Writing on the Wall: Works in Progress by New York Graffiti Artists at the Hoyt L. Sherman Gallery, Ohio State University
Executes his first solo exhibition at Tony Shafrazi Gallery
FUTURA’s son, Timothy McGurr, is born at Bellevue Hospital—the same hospital in which he was born
Is part of the Arte di Frontiera group exhibition in Bologna, Italy
1983
FUTURA handwrites the film credits for Spike Lee’s film “Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads”
Is included in the exhibition Champions at Tony Shafrazi Gallery alongside Donald Baechler, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and others
The American hip hop film Wild Style is released. Directed and produced by Charlie Ahearn, this film is regarded as the first hip hop motion picture. It includes foundational figures such as Fab 5 Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Zephyr.
Meets Dutch gallerist, Yaki Kornblit, in NYC. FUTURA introduces him to other graffiti artists, which lead to other artist solo exhibitions, with his own exhibition transpiring later in the year.
1982
FUTURA releases “The Escapades of Futura 2000”, a rap track recorded with The Clash, on Celluloid Records
Alongside Dondi, the Rock Steady Crew, Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, Rammellzee, and others, FUTURA participates in the New York City Rap Tour that travels to several French cities, with a stopover in London. The tour is widely cited as one of Europe’s first major exposures to the burgeoning culture of hip hop in New York.
At Tony Shafrazi’s Soho Gallery. FUTURA exhibits in a two-person show alongside friend Kenny Scharf. Shafrazi’s gallery would become widely known for heralding the arrival of new and established artists including FUTURA, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
1981
FUTURA befriends the UK rock band, The Clash—finding big brother-like mentorship qualities in Joe Strummer. As a collaborative artistic partner, Futura illustrates the album cover for The Clash’s ‘This is Radio Clash’ LP and accompanies the band on their European tour, where he does live painting during the band’s performances in the UK and France.
FUTURA curates the ‘Beyond Words’ group exhibition alongside his friend, and later godfather to his son Timothy, Fab 5 Freddy
The seminal MoMA PS1 exhibition New York/NewWave presents FUTURA alongside colleagues and friends Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rammellzee, and Kenny Scharf
While filming the movie Wild Style in 1981, Patti Astor asks Futura 2000 to create a mural in her East Third Street apartment. She celebrates the completion of the mural with a party where many artists and art intelligencers of the era attended. Due to the event’s positive reception, Astor's friend Bill Stelling offers up a small space to open an art gallery—famously known as the Fun Gallery.
1980
FUTURA and Zephyr are enlisted by Sam Esses to operationalize and be stewards for the “Esses Project”—regarded as arguably the first effort ever to bring graffiti genre artists to paint on canvas. As part of this project, FUTURA also paints his first canvas.
In this same year, FUTURA paints an entire train car—now known as the “Break” train—an aerosol-based foray into abstraction. The painted train car was famously photographed by Martha Cooper.
1970s
1979
FUTURA returns home and reconnects with Ali to form the seminal art collective the Soul Artists with Eric Haze. In addition to organizing community gatherings with other fellow artists in a space adjacent to Columbia University, the Soul Artists are paid to paint retail facades for local businesses in NYC. Their organization’s zine, “Zoo York”, makes cultural waves.
1975
During his naval service, FUTURA travels all over the world—visiting parts of Asia and Africa. He learns how to be a task-oriented global citizen, while simultaneously becoming fascinated with leading-edge technology such as radar, sonar—and the overall systems architecture of fighter jets.
1974
As Ali recovers from the incident, FUTURA decides to pause his participation in Graffiti, and enlists in the US Navy
1973
FUTURA and his friend, Marc André “ALI” Edmonds, sneak into the 1 train tunnel to paint. A freak fire combustion accident in the train tunnel (chronicled by an erroneous story in the New York Times that shared a false narrative) occurs where Ali is injured.
1970
At the age of 15, during subway to and from school, McGurr is first introduced to the enigmatic subculture of graffiti in NYC. Motivated by these experiences, he begins painting on the subway system and begins the foundational thinking around his moniker “Futura 2000”—creating his own identity.
1960s
1968
Stanley Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey has its theatrical debut. MrGurr regards the film’s framing of future, technology, and other-worldly travel as a life-changing phantasmagoria.
1964
The World’s Fair was a huge fair represented by 80 nations. It was an early influence for his future nomadic travels, graphic design sensibilities, and fascination with branding.
1955
Leonard Hilton McGurr is born at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
1955 is the same year that the Brooklyn Dodgers, the baseball team loved by McGurr’s mother, win the MLB World Series
2025
FUTURA’s collaboration collection with Kenzo launches in Paris
Select works included in the NIGO and Pharrell Joopiter auction in Paris
Futura Laboratories and Crocs launch their second drop, “Flanyard” globally
FUTURA’s included in both the Buffalo AKG Public Art’s Ten Years book/show, and the Rammellzee show at Palais De Tokyo in Paris
Verdy and FUTURA Print are released worldwide
FUTURA at ComplexCon Hong Kong
The V1 Gallery show opened in Denmark, and the Bronx Museum Gala honored FUTURA in New York
Futura Laboratories and Malbon drop their collaboration collection online ahead of The Masters
Les Benjamins' clothing release took place at the BRED Festival in Abu Dhabi
FUTURA participates in the Gordon Matta-Clark discussion at the Whitney Museum in NYC
Participated in the Met Expert Talks: Baseball at The Met in New York, along with the Anthony Gallery show opening in Chicago
A Kenzo pop-up was held during Fashion Week in Paris, followed by the Kenzo Collection 2 collaboration launch
FUTURA made a visit to the Tecape property in Tunisia, including a mural painting
The Kenzo Collection Launches worldwide
FUTURA customizes a bike for Nigel Sylvester, featured in the Joopiter auction
The STAPLE collection launched with a conversation event in New York
FUTURA // Hot Wheels collaboration launches worldwide
The incense chamber became available for purchase at the NEIGHBORHOOD “30th Anniversary Exhibition” in the Laforet Museum, Harajuku
FUTURA Tee Shirt becomes for sale in the Virgil “World’s Fair” Exhibition in Paris, France
FUTURA does Mural painting at Curtis High School for Branded Arts in Staten Island, NYC
The second Kenzo collaboration launches in retail worldwide
FUTURA and The RZA collaborate at the Curtis High school presentation school theater in Staten Island, NYC
FUTURA celebrates 70th Birthday!
2024
Global Marc Jacobs Campaign is released, featuring 40 years of past and future collaborators
FUTURA // Salehe Bembury - Pollux Crocs are released - the first collaboration on the Pollux model
Third capsule collection with Supreme released
Crocs in-line models release, in jade and white
Futura Laboratories Participates in the first international ComplexCon, Hong Kong
Futura Akari show re-displayed at Milan Design week - Capsule Plaza
The Mets enlist Futura for the City Jersey campaign
Futuraland, a fully immersive experience, resurfaces at Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Duo Show with Revok - Held at Underdogs Gallery Lisbon, Portugal
Included in Beyond The Streets Hamptons Group Show, Southhampton NY
Nike Dunk SB released Worldwide, with global skate campaign and placement in Action, tier zero doors
Full Profile in Wall Street Journal
Vinyl collaboration release W/Nas, to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary
Nike Previews Break Dancing’s entry to The Olympic Games, with Futura as featured designer for team USA, Japan, Korea, as well as the official shoe for break dancing “The Jam”
Winning Weekend celebration at The Olympics 2024, with live art and celebration by Futura
Marc Jacobs // FUTURA - Global Campaign Launch
Marc Jacobs Launch + Pop up @ Prince st (New York)
Nike Breakdance “The Jam” In-line + Collaboration releases (Global)
“Breaking Out” opens at Bronx Museum (New York)
Futura Laboratories x Les Benjamins Capsule Collaboration launches in Turkey
Included in “City As Canvas” - Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, TN)
Futura Laboratories x Herschel Luggage FLOM Capsule release
ComplexCon Las Vegas Premiere
Participation in Verdy x Complex Gift Shop @ Faeina Miami, including print collaboration
2023
Alongside artist peers including Vhils, Eric Haze, and Shephard Fairey, FUTURA is featured in "Beyond The Streets London” at Saatchi Gallery, the first international exhibition by Beyond The Streets
Kenny Scharf and FUTURA are invited to create a collaborative painting for the "Basquiat x Warhol: Painting Four Hands" exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France
FUTURA creates a site-specific work for the Urban R[e]volution Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. The project includes installations by Vhils, Lee Quinones, Martha Cooper, Barry McGee, Jason Revok, Maya Hayuk, Shephard Fairey, Felipe Pantone, Swoon, Andre Saraiva, Obey SKTR, Tamara Alves, Add Fuel, Wasted Rita, AKACorleone, Nuno Viegas, and MaisMenos.
Alongside his longtime friends and collaborators Boris Tellegan and Mode 2, FUTURA participates in the "DeFuMo Does Berlin" group exhibition at Urban Spree Gallery in Germany
With fellow artists Takashi Murakami, ESPO, and many others, FUTURA participates in "Beyond The Streets China"—supported by Perrotin Gallery
FUTURA is featured in the museum show “Il Morso Delle Termiti” at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris—curated by Hugo Vitrani
As invited by Takashi Murakami, FUTURA exhibits works with Kaikai Kiki Gallery at the Armory Art Fair in New York
In collaboration with musician Nas, FUTURA creates custom vinyl record packaging—and a supporting tondo print—to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th anniversary
The group exhibition “Virgil Abloh: Ecosystems” launches at Galerie Kreo in Paris. FUTURA is included alongside artists Gordon Matta-Clark, Marcel Duchamp, Dondi White, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
2022
FUTURA is honored by Free Arts NYC at their annual gala—co-hosted by Marc Jacobs. He establishes a scholarship in his name for underserved youths with the non-profit—with major support from Supreme and generous art donations from friends such as KAWS.
In collaboration with artists Os Gemeos, FUTURA paints a large-scale mural at Bayside High School in Queens—documented by Martha Cooper
As part of the documentary series, The Warhol Diaries, FUTURA contributes a long-form interview, and makes several cameos during the flight of the show
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation executes its second collaboration with FUTURA, launching a post-embellished Akari lamp and print series—in addition to shooting a documentary of FUTURA creating the works in Isamu’s former artist studio in Long Island City
FUTURA hand-embellishes prints created by Virgil Abloh that are retailed at Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” show at the Brooklyn Museum
Potato Head Bali works with FUTURA to create a permanent 17+ foot sculpture at their resort in Bali—constructed entirely of recycled river and ocean plastics
2021
FUTURA presents a solo exhibition titled “Cast of Characters” at Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition exhibits painting, sculpture, and collaborative Akari lamps with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation.
Launches his first range of high fidelity collectible figures, and produces his first-ever “Futuraland” event, in partnership with SK Lam and All Rights Reserved in Hong Kong
Creates an official curriculum of “MasterClass” that teaches aspiring artists the technical skills and ethos of his studio practice
Launches first solo museum exhibition in South Korea titled “Humble Souls”, in partnership with the K-Pop music group BTS. The exhibition is held at Hybe Museum in Seoul, Korea.
“On The Road: Futura’s Works in Agnès B. Collection” launches in Paris at La Fab
Executes fashion capsule and correlating event with Pharrell Williams and his brand Billionaire Buys Club at Art Basel Miami Beach
2020
Debuts collaborative fashion collection with Comme des Garçons SHIRT at Paris Fashion Week
Is featured in the New York Times for his role in the Beyond The Streets Brooklyn exhibition
The Isamu Noguchi Museum in New York presents Futura Akari, an installation of Akari light sculptures hand-embellished by Futura
Launches a two-print set in collaboration with artist and friend Takashi Murakami. Begins Japanese gallery representation by Kaikai Kiki Gallery
Creates a large site-specific installation at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, leveraging his painting “Violent Treasure”
Included in the exhibition Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip Hop Generation at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Rizzoli New York publishes FUTURA: The Artist’s Monograph, the most in-depth and comprehensive survey of the life and career of the artist to date. A special-edition cover by Virgil Abloh is also produced.
Begins North America gallery representation by Eric Firestone Gallery. His first exhibition with the gallery is titled Futura 2000: Futura 2020. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition represented by a gallery in NYC in over 30 years.
2019
Live paints during the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall Winter 2019 Runway show in Paris, France. Also paints a fresco used on set for after-show photography and collection head-to-toe documenting.
Invited to paint a mural at the Rabat Biennale in Morocco
Creates a full mens and women’s fashion collection for Off-White—also featuring a collaborative Nike dunk low sneaker
Designs stage visuals for Virgil Abloh for Coachella
Collaborates with the New York Mets to create a special three-piece capsule collection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MLB team’s 1969 championship. At the launch game, he is able to throw out a first pitch to his son, Timothy.
Begins designing a full fashion collection with Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons
10 years after FUTURA’s mural debuted at Wynwood Walls in Miami, he is asked to repaint the wall for the new decade
On opening day of Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” museum exhibition at the MCA Chicago, FUTURA gives a talk with Virgil Abloh—moderated by Sky Gellatly
“Constellations”, his first solo exhibition in Singapore, launches with the Culture Story—curated by Jahan Loh. The exhibition title is a nod to FUTURA's service in the Navy, which included time in Singapore.
Opens Generation Z solo exhibition at the Mass Gallery in Tokyo, an amazing formal return to Japan. Friend and fashion designer Jun Takahashi creates the exhibition poster. The show features Futura’s first sculptures to be available in a gallery context.
2010s
2018
FUTURA begins a formal multi-year design collaboration with Virgil Abloh—later resulting in work for Off-White, Louis Vuitton, and Canary Yellow
Exhibits in the inaugural Beyond The Streets show in LA, alongside Takashi Murakami, REVOK, and Mister Cartoon—among many others
Collaborates with artist André Saravia on two-man exhibition titled “Chez Nous” in Paris
2017
Designs tour merchandise for major recording artist, The Weeknd for his “Starboy” tour
Launches first global fashion collection with Uniqlo—in partnership with Nigo
Creates a site-specific work for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel—at Colette in Paris—in adjacency to Pharrell Williams.
2016
“New Horizons”, a solo exhibition with gallery Library Street Collective, opens in Detroit
2015
Executes his first solo exhibition in Shanghai, commemorated with a collaborative tee-shirt designed by Virgil Abloh
Is commissioned to paint to lobby of Converse’s World Headquarters
Paints the iconic large-scale “Houston Bowery” wall in New York’s Soho neighborhood
Included in the Bridges of Graffiti group exhibition at the Venice Biennale. The sprawling exhibition also featuresHenry Chalfant, Doze Green, Todd James, Mode 2, Jay One, Boris Tellegan, Teach, Skki©, Eron and Zero-T.
2014
Is named as Art Director for the US Men’s National soccer team for the 2014 World Cup
Collaborates with LeBron James on a basketball court in Ohio, and on basketballs to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America
2013
Begins formal management representation by ICNCLST
Works with (RED), Apple, and Adobe on an AIDS-research fundraising project, “DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES”. Executes custom artwork as well for the United Nations Foundation
2012
Presents the "Future-Shock" solo exhibition in NYC during fashion week
Is featured as part of the “Deep Space” group exhibition featuring RAMMELLZEE, Phase 2 and Matta
Launches a global product collaboration with LVMH for the brand Hennessy
2011
The “Kindergarten” group exhibition featuring FUTURA, Mode 2, Delta, Os Gemeos, Kostas Seremetis and Tom Sachs goes on-view in Modena, Italy
2000s
2009
FUTURA paints his first site-specific mural at the now-famous Wynwood Walls in Miami
2008
As curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Roger Gastman, Futura participants in the “Art In The Streets” group exhibition by Jeffrey Deitch at MoCA
2007
FUTURA and artist Jose Parla execute the “Pirate Utopia” group exhibition in London
2006
FUTURA’s passion for cycling leads him to work with Nike on the Tour de France. He is included in a cycling-themed art exhibition titled “Stages” in partnership with Nike, exhibiting alongside artists such as Damien Hirst
2004
The first Futura Laboratories retail store opens in Fukuoka, Japan
FUTURA works with Nike SB on the FLOM (For Love Or Money) Dunk to commemorate the opening of his store in Japan. 24 pairs aere gifted to friends and family at the store’s opening.
2001
FUTURA produces an amazing multi-medium exhibition at the Parisian boutique Colette in Paris—on the eve of 9/11
2000
FUTURA formally drops the number “2000” from his tag
With designer Ben Dury, he works on his first in-depth “FUTURA” book
The heralded Command Z group exhibition, executed alongside with Stash, launches at Nigo’s A Bathing Ape store in Tokyo
The growing “street art movement” spawns re-interest in FUTURA’s early work, and leads to new brand collaborations with Supreme (2011, 2022), Stussy (2006), and Zoo York (1997, 2001)
1990s
1997
The Contents Under Pressure group exhibition with Lee Quiñones and Stash is produced in London
FUTURA formerly launched his own namesake commercial product brand: Futura Laboratories
1996
During Mo’ Wax’s tour of Japan, FUTURA meets artist and designer SK8THNG, who in turn introduces him to fashion designer and record producer Nigo. Nigo, SK8THING, and FUTURA go on to collaborate extensively on various projects for several years, including designing for Nigo’s fashion brand A Bathing Ape.
FUTURA launches his first website, www.futura2000.com which becomes an always-on extension of his imagination, and interest in connecting with people from all over the globe
1995
FUTURA and Stash continue to collaborate on various projects, now with the addition of Bleu under the name “BFS” (Bleu/Futura/Stash). They also venture out and launch Project Dragon, eventually leading to Stash’s opening of the streetwear shop Recon in NYC’s Lower East Side.
1994
Is part of the creative braintrust that develops the brand identity for Supreme, his friend James Jebbia’s NYC-based skate store and brand
1993
With a passion for cycling, FUTURA participates in the Cycle Messenger World Championships in Berlin and meets members of the British record label Mo’ Wax. The label thereafter purchases some of FUTURA’s work, and commissions him for album artwork.
1992
Establishes a collaborative cohort called “GFS” (Gerb/Futura/Stash) with friends Stash and Gerb. GFS is an early streetwear brand that produces shirts based in the popularity of graffiti culture
Discovers his love of personal computing, website coding, and graphic design based on a computer that his friend Gerb buys him
1990
FUTURA’s daughter, Tabatha McGurr, is born in France
1980s
1989
Is proud to present his Oeuvres Recentes solo exhibition at Musee de Vire, Normandie, France
1988
After some time focusing on family, and reappraising his future as an artist, FUTURA re-enters the art world thanks to a standout solo exhibition with gallerist Philippe Briet in his New York City gallery
FUTURA is introduced to iconic French fashion designer Agnes B, who becomes both a friend and patron/supporter. Agnes helps FUTURA establish a new studio in Williamsburg—with two years of rent benevolently pre-paid by the designer
1985
Galleries in New York City begin to eschew graffiti-derivative artists for exhibitions. Futura takes note, and begins to contemplate his life’s longterm vision and goals
1984
Is included in the exhibition Calligraffiti curated by Jeffrey Deitch in New York City
FUTURA creates Untitled, a monumental 6’ x 35’ painting for the exhibition Writing on the Wall: Works in Progress by New York Graffiti Artists at the Hoyt L. Sherman Gallery, Ohio State University
Executes his first solo exhibition at Tony Shafrazi Gallery
FUTURA’s son, Timothy McGurr, is born at Bellevue Hospital—the same hospital in which he was born
Is part of the Arte di Frontiera group exhibition in Bologna, Italy
1983
FUTURA handwrites the film credits for Spike Lee’s film “Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads”
Is included in the exhibition Champions at Tony Shafrazi Gallery alongside Donald Baechler, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and others
The American hip hop film Wild Style is released. Directed and produced by Charlie Ahearn, this film is regarded as the first hip hop motion picture. It includes foundational figures such as Fab 5 Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Zephyr.
Meets Dutch gallerist, Yaki Kornblit, in NYC. FUTURA introduces him to other graffiti artists, which lead to other artist solo exhibitions, with his own exhibition transpiring later in the year.
1982
FUTURA releases “The Escapades of Futura 2000”, a rap track recorded with The Clash, on Celluloid Records
Alongside Dondi, the Rock Steady Crew, Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, Rammellzee, and others, FUTURA participates in the New York City Rap Tour that travels to several French cities, with a stopover in London. The tour is widely cited as one of Europe’s first major exposures to the burgeoning culture of hip hop in New York.
At Tony Shafrazi’s Soho Gallery. FUTURA exhibits in a two-person show alongside friend Kenny Scharf. Shafrazi’s gallery would become widely known for heralding the arrival of new and established artists including FUTURA, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
1981
FUTURA befriends the UK rock band, The Clash—finding big brother-like mentorship qualities in Joe Strummer. As a collaborative artistic partner, Futura illustrates the album cover for The Clash’s ‘This is Radio Clash’ LP and accompanies the band on their European tour, where he does live painting during the band’s performances in the UK and France.
FUTURA curates the ‘Beyond Words’ group exhibition alongside his friend, and later godfather to his son Timothy, Fab 5 Freddy
The seminal MoMA PS1 exhibition New York/NewWave presents FUTURA alongside colleagues and friends Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rammellzee, and Kenny Scharf
While filming the movie Wild Style in 1981, Patti Astor asks Futura 2000 to create a mural in her East Third Street apartment. She celebrates the completion of the mural with a party where many artists and art intelligencers of the era attended. Due to the event’s positive reception, Astor's friend Bill Stelling offers up a small space to open an art gallery—famously known as the Fun Gallery.
1980
FUTURA and Zephyr are enlisted by Sam Esses to operationalize and be stewards for the “Esses Project”—regarded as arguably the first effort ever to bring graffiti genre artists to paint on canvas. As part of this project, FUTURA also paints his first canvas.
In this same year, FUTURA paints an entire train car—now known as the “Break” train—an aerosol-based foray into abstraction. The painted train car was famously photographed by Martha Cooper.
1970s
1979
FUTURA returns home and reconnects with Ali to form the seminal art collective the Soul Artists with Eric Haze. In addition to organizing community gatherings with other fellow artists in a space adjacent to Columbia University, the Soul Artists are paid to paint retail facades for local businesses in NYC. Their organization’s zine, “Zoo York”, makes cultural waves.
1975
During his naval service, FUTURA travels all over the world—visiting parts of Asia and Africa. He learns how to be a task-oriented global citizen, while simultaneously becoming fascinated with leading-edge technology such as radar, sonar—and the overall systems architecture of fighter jets.
1974
As Ali recovers from the incident, FUTURA decides to pause his participation in Graffiti, and enlists in the US Navy
1973
FUTURA and his friend, Marc André “ALI” Edmonds, sneak into the 1 train tunnel to paint. A freak fire combustion accident in the train tunnel (chronicled by an erroneous story in the New York Times that shared a false narrative) occurs where Ali is injured.
1970
At the age of 15, during subway to and from school, McGurr is first introduced to the enigmatic subculture of graffiti in NYC. Motivated by these experiences, he begins painting on the subway system and begins the foundational thinking around his moniker “Futura 2000”—creating his own identity.
1960s
1968
Stanley Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey has its theatrical debut. MrGurr regards the film’s framing of future, technology, and other-worldly travel as a life-changing phantasmagoria.
1964
The World’s Fair was a huge fair represented by 80 nations. It was an early influence for his future nomadic travels, graphic design sensibilities, and fascination with branding.
1955
Leonard Hilton McGurr is born at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
1955 is the same year that the Brooklyn Dodgers, the baseball team loved by McGurr’s mother, win the MLB World Series
2025
FUTURA’s collaboration collection with Kenzo launches in Paris
Select works included in the NIGO and Pharrell Joopiter auction in Paris
Futura Laboratories and Crocs launch their second drop, “Flanyard” globally
FUTURA’s included in both the Buffalo AKG Public Art’s Ten Years book/show, and the Rammellzee show at Palais De Tokyo in Paris
Verdy and FUTURA Print are released worldwide
FUTURA at ComplexCon Hong Kong
The V1 Gallery show opened in Denmark, and the Bronx Museum Gala honored FUTURA in New York
Futura Laboratories and Malbon drop their collaboration collection online ahead of The Masters
Les Benjamins' clothing release took place at the BRED Festival in Abu Dhabi
FUTURA participates in the Gordon Matta-Clark discussion at the Whitney Museum in NYC
Participated in the Met Expert Talks: Baseball at The Met in New York, along with the Anthony Gallery show opening in Chicago
A Kenzo pop-up was held during Fashion Week in Paris, followed by the Kenzo Collection 2 collaboration launch
FUTURA made a visit to the Tecape property in Tunisia, including a mural painting
The Kenzo Collection Launches worldwide
FUTURA customizes a bike for Nigel Sylvester, featured in the Joopiter auction
The STAPLE collection launched with a conversation event in New York
FUTURA // Hot Wheels collaboration launches worldwide
The incense chamber became available for purchase at the NEIGHBORHOOD “30th Anniversary Exhibition” in the Laforet Museum, Harajuku
FUTURA Tee Shirt becomes for sale in the Virgil “World’s Fair” Exhibition in Paris, France
FUTURA does Mural painting at Curtis High School for Branded Arts in Staten Island, NYC
The second Kenzo collaboration launches in retail worldwide
FUTURA and The RZA collaborate at the Curtis High school presentation school theater in Staten Island, NYC
FUTURA celebrates 70th Birthday!
2024
Global Marc Jacobs Campaign is released, featuring 40 years of past and future collaborators
FUTURA // Salehe Bembury - Pollux Crocs are released - the first collaboration on the Pollux model
Third capsule collection with Supreme released
Crocs in-line models release, in jade and white
Futura Laboratories Participates in the first international ComplexCon, Hong Kong
Futura Akari show re-displayed at Milan Design week - Capsule Plaza
The Mets enlist Futura for the City Jersey campaign
Futuraland, a fully immersive experience, resurfaces at Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Duo Show with Revok - Held at Underdogs Gallery Lisbon, Portugal
Included in Beyond The Streets Hamptons Group Show, Southhampton NY
Nike Dunk SB released Worldwide, with global skate campaign and placement in Action, tier zero doors
Full Profile in Wall Street Journal
Vinyl collaboration release W/Nas, to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary
Nike Previews Break Dancing’s entry to The Olympic Games, with Futura as featured designer for team USA, Japan, Korea, as well as the official shoe for break dancing “The Jam”
Winning Weekend celebration at The Olympics 2024, with live art and celebration by Futura
Marc Jacobs // FUTURA - Global Campaign Launch
Marc Jacobs Launch + Pop up @ Prince st (New York)
Nike Breakdance “The Jam” In-line + Collaboration releases (Global)
“Breaking Out” opens at Bronx Museum (New York)
Futura Laboratories x Les Benjamins Capsule Collaboration launches in Turkey
Included in “City As Canvas” - Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, TN)
Futura Laboratories x Herschel Luggage FLOM Capsule release
ComplexCon Las Vegas Premiere
Participation in Verdy x Complex Gift Shop @ Faeina Miami, including print collaboration
2023
Alongside artist peers including Vhils, Eric Haze, and Shephard Fairey, FUTURA is featured in "Beyond The Streets London” at Saatchi Gallery, the first international exhibition by Beyond The Streets
Kenny Scharf and FUTURA are invited to create a collaborative painting for the "Basquiat x Warhol: Painting Four Hands" exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France
FUTURA creates a site-specific work for the Urban R[e]volution Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. The project includes installations by Vhils, Lee Quinones, Martha Cooper, Barry McGee, Jason Revok, Maya Hayuk, Shephard Fairey, Felipe Pantone, Swoon, Andre Saraiva, Obey SKTR, Tamara Alves, Add Fuel, Wasted Rita, AKACorleone, Nuno Viegas, and MaisMenos.
Alongside his longtime friends and collaborators Boris Tellegan and Mode 2, FUTURA participates in the "DeFuMo Does Berlin" group exhibition at Urban Spree Gallery in Germany
With fellow artists Takashi Murakami, ESPO, and many others, FUTURA participates in "Beyond The Streets China"—supported by Perrotin Gallery
FUTURA is featured in the museum show “Il Morso Delle Termiti” at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris—curated by Hugo Vitrani
As invited by Takashi Murakami, FUTURA exhibits works with Kaikai Kiki Gallery at the Armory Art Fair in New York
In collaboration with musician Nas, FUTURA creates custom vinyl record packaging—and a supporting tondo print—to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th anniversary
The group exhibition “Virgil Abloh: Ecosystems” launches at Galerie Kreo in Paris. FUTURA is included alongside artists Gordon Matta-Clark, Marcel Duchamp, Dondi White, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
2022
FUTURA is honored by Free Arts NYC at their annual gala—co-hosted by Marc Jacobs. He establishes a scholarship in his name for underserved youths with the non-profit—with major support from Supreme and generous art donations from friends such as KAWS.
In collaboration with artists Os Gemeos, FUTURA paints a large-scale mural at Bayside High School in Queens—documented by Martha Cooper
As part of the documentary series, The Warhol Diaries, FUTURA contributes a long-form interview, and makes several cameos during the flight of the show
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation executes its second collaboration with FUTURA, launching a post-embellished Akari lamp and print series—in addition to shooting a documentary of FUTURA creating the works in Isamu’s former artist studio in Long Island City
FUTURA hand-embellishes prints created by Virgil Abloh that are retailed at Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” show at the Brooklyn Museum
Potato Head Bali works with FUTURA to create a permanent 17+ foot sculpture at their resort in Bali—constructed entirely of recycled river and ocean plastics
2021
FUTURA presents a solo exhibition titled “Cast of Characters” at Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition exhibits painting, sculpture, and collaborative Akari lamps with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation.
Launches his first range of high fidelity collectible figures, and produces his first-ever “Futuraland” event, in partnership with SK Lam and All Rights Reserved in Hong Kong
Creates an official curriculum of “MasterClass” that teaches aspiring artists the technical skills and ethos of his studio practice
Launches first solo museum exhibition in South Korea titled “Humble Souls”, in partnership with the K-Pop music group BTS. The exhibition is held at Hybe Museum in Seoul, Korea.
“On The Road: Futura’s Works in Agnès B. Collection” launches in Paris at La Fab
Executes fashion capsule and correlating event with Pharrell Williams and his brand Billionaire Buys Club at Art Basel Miami Beach
2020
Debuts collaborative fashion collection with Comme des Garçons SHIRT at Paris Fashion Week
Is featured in the New York Times for his role in the Beyond The Streets Brooklyn exhibition
The Isamu Noguchi Museum in New York presents Futura Akari, an installation of Akari light sculptures hand-embellished by Futura
Launches a two-print set in collaboration with artist and friend Takashi Murakami. Begins Japanese gallery representation by Kaikai Kiki Gallery
Creates a large site-specific installation at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, leveraging his painting “Violent Treasure”
Included in the exhibition Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip Hop Generation at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Rizzoli New York publishes FUTURA: The Artist’s Monograph, the most in-depth and comprehensive survey of the life and career of the artist to date. A special-edition cover by Virgil Abloh is also produced.
Begins North America gallery representation by Eric Firestone Gallery. His first exhibition with the gallery is titled Futura 2000: Futura 2020. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition represented by a gallery in NYC in over 30 years.
2019
Live paints during the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall Winter 2019 Runway show in Paris, France. Also paints a fresco used on set for after-show photography and collection head-to-toe documenting.
Invited to paint a mural at the Rabat Biennale in Morocco
Creates a full mens and women’s fashion collection for Off-White—also featuring a collaborative Nike dunk low sneaker
Designs stage visuals for Virgil Abloh for Coachella
Collaborates with the New York Mets to create a special three-piece capsule collection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MLB team’s 1969 championship. At the launch game, he is able to throw out a first pitch to his son, Timothy.
Begins designing a full fashion collection with Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons
10 years after FUTURA’s mural debuted at Wynwood Walls in Miami, he is asked to repaint the wall for the new decade
On opening day of Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” museum exhibition at the MCA Chicago, FUTURA gives a talk with Virgil Abloh—moderated by Sky Gellatly
“Constellations”, his first solo exhibition in Singapore, launches with the Culture Story—curated by Jahan Loh. The exhibition title is a nod to FUTURA's service in the Navy, which included time in Singapore.
Opens Generation Z solo exhibition at the Mass Gallery in Tokyo, an amazing formal return to Japan. Friend and fashion designer Jun Takahashi creates the exhibition poster. The show features Futura’s first sculptures to be available in a gallery context.
2010s
2018
FUTURA begins a formal multi-year design collaboration with Virgil Abloh—later resulting in work for Off-White, Louis Vuitton, and Canary Yellow
Exhibits in the inaugural Beyond The Streets show in LA, alongside Takashi Murakami, REVOK, and Mister Cartoon—among many others
Collaborates with artist André Saravia on two-man exhibition titled “Chez Nous” in Paris
2017
Designs tour merchandise for major recording artist, The Weeknd for his “Starboy” tour
Launches first global fashion collection with Uniqlo—in partnership with Nigo
Creates a site-specific work for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel—at Colette in Paris—in adjacency to Pharrell Williams.
2016
“New Horizons”, a solo exhibition with gallery Library Street Collective, opens in Detroit
2015
Executes his first solo exhibition in Shanghai, commemorated with a collaborative tee-shirt designed by Virgil Abloh
Is commissioned to paint to lobby of Converse’s World Headquarters
Paints the iconic large-scale “Houston Bowery” wall in New York’s Soho neighborhood
Included in the Bridges of Graffiti group exhibition at the Venice Biennale. The sprawling exhibition also featuresHenry Chalfant, Doze Green, Todd James, Mode 2, Jay One, Boris Tellegan, Teach, Skki©, Eron and Zero-T.
2014
Is named as Art Director for the US Men’s National soccer team for the 2014 World Cup
Collaborates with LeBron James on a basketball court in Ohio, and on basketballs to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America
2013
Begins formal management representation by ICNCLST
Works with (RED), Apple, and Adobe on an AIDS-research fundraising project, “DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES”. Executes custom artwork as well for the United Nations Foundation
2012
Presents the "Future-Shock" solo exhibition in NYC during fashion week
Is featured as part of the “Deep Space” group exhibition featuring RAMMELLZEE, Phase 2 and Matta
Launches a global product collaboration with LVMH for the brand Hennessy
2011
The “Kindergarten” group exhibition featuring FUTURA, Mode 2, Delta, Os Gemeos, Kostas Seremetis and Tom Sachs goes on-view in Modena, Italy
2000s
2009
FUTURA paints his first site-specific mural at the now-famous Wynwood Walls in Miami
2008
As curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Roger Gastman, Futura participants in the “Art In The Streets” group exhibition by Jeffrey Deitch at MoCA
2007
FUTURA and artist Jose Parla execute the “Pirate Utopia” group exhibition in London
2006
FUTURA’s passion for cycling leads him to work with Nike on the Tour de France. He is included in a cycling-themed art exhibition titled “Stages” in partnership with Nike, exhibiting alongside artists such as Damien Hirst
2004
The first Futura Laboratories retail store opens in Fukuoka, Japan
FUTURA works with Nike SB on the FLOM (For Love Or Money) Dunk to commemorate the opening of his store in Japan. 24 pairs aere gifted to friends and family at the store’s opening.
2001
FUTURA produces an amazing multi-medium exhibition at the Parisian boutique Colette in Paris—on the eve of 9/11
2000
FUTURA formally drops the number “2000” from his tag
With designer Ben Dury, he works on his first in-depth “FUTURA” book
The heralded Command Z group exhibition, executed alongside with Stash, launches at Nigo’s A Bathing Ape store in Tokyo
The growing “street art movement” spawns re-interest in FUTURA’s early work, and leads to new brand collaborations with Supreme (2011, 2022), Stussy (2006), and Zoo York (1997, 2001)
1990s
1997
The Contents Under Pressure group exhibition with Lee Quiñones and Stash is produced in London
FUTURA formerly launched his own namesake commercial product brand: Futura Laboratories
1996
During Mo’ Wax’s tour of Japan, FUTURA meets artist and designer SK8THNG, who in turn introduces him to fashion designer and record producer Nigo. Nigo, SK8THING, and FUTURA go on to collaborate extensively on various projects for several years, including designing for Nigo’s fashion brand A Bathing Ape.
FUTURA launches his first website, www.futura2000.com which becomes an always-on extension of his imagination, and interest in connecting with people from all over the globe
1995
FUTURA and Stash continue to collaborate on various projects, now with the addition of Bleu under the name “BFS” (Bleu/Futura/Stash). They also venture out and launch Project Dragon, eventually leading to Stash’s opening of the streetwear shop Recon in NYC’s Lower East Side.
1994
Is part of the creative braintrust that develops the brand identity for Supreme, his friend James Jebbia’s NYC-based skate store and brand
1993
With a passion for cycling, FUTURA participates in the Cycle Messenger World Championships in Berlin and meets members of the British record label Mo’ Wax. The label thereafter purchases some of FUTURA’s work, and commissions him for album artwork.
1992
Establishes a collaborative cohort called “GFS” (Gerb/Futura/Stash) with friends Stash and Gerb. GFS is an early streetwear brand that produces shirts based in the popularity of graffiti culture
Discovers his love of personal computing, website coding, and graphic design based on a computer that his friend Gerb buys him
1990
FUTURA’s daughter, Tabatha McGurr, is born in France
1980s
1989
Is proud to present his Oeuvres Recentes solo exhibition at Musee de Vire, Normandie, France
1988
After some time focusing on family, and reappraising his future as an artist, FUTURA re-enters the art world thanks to a standout solo exhibition with gallerist Philippe Briet in his New York City gallery
FUTURA is introduced to iconic French fashion designer Agnes B, who becomes both a friend and patron/supporter. Agnes helps FUTURA establish a new studio in Williamsburg—with two years of rent benevolently pre-paid by the designer
1985
Galleries in New York City begin to eschew graffiti-derivative artists for exhibitions. Futura takes note, and begins to contemplate his life’s longterm vision and goals
1984
Is included in the exhibition Calligraffiti curated by Jeffrey Deitch in New York City
FUTURA creates Untitled, a monumental 6’ x 35’ painting for the exhibition Writing on the Wall: Works in Progress by New York Graffiti Artists at the Hoyt L. Sherman Gallery, Ohio State University
Executes his first solo exhibition at Tony Shafrazi Gallery
FUTURA’s son, Timothy McGurr, is born at Bellevue Hospital—the same hospital in which he was born
Is part of the Arte di Frontiera group exhibition in Bologna, Italy
1983
FUTURA handwrites the film credits for Spike Lee’s film “Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads”
Is included in the exhibition Champions at Tony Shafrazi Gallery alongside Donald Baechler, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and others
The American hip hop film Wild Style is released. Directed and produced by Charlie Ahearn, this film is regarded as the first hip hop motion picture. It includes foundational figures such as Fab 5 Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Zephyr.
Meets Dutch gallerist, Yaki Kornblit, in NYC. FUTURA introduces him to other graffiti artists, which lead to other artist solo exhibitions, with his own exhibition transpiring later in the year.
1982
FUTURA releases “The Escapades of Futura 2000”, a rap track recorded with The Clash, on Celluloid Records
Alongside Dondi, the Rock Steady Crew, Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, Rammellzee, and others, FUTURA participates in the New York City Rap Tour that travels to several French cities, with a stopover in London. The tour is widely cited as one of Europe’s first major exposures to the burgeoning culture of hip hop in New York.
At Tony Shafrazi’s Soho Gallery. FUTURA exhibits in a two-person show alongside friend Kenny Scharf. Shafrazi’s gallery would become widely known for heralding the arrival of new and established artists including FUTURA, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
1981
FUTURA befriends the UK rock band, The Clash—finding big brother-like mentorship qualities in Joe Strummer. As a collaborative artistic partner, Futura illustrates the album cover for The Clash’s ‘This is Radio Clash’ LP and accompanies the band on their European tour, where he does live painting during the band’s performances in the UK and France.
FUTURA curates the ‘Beyond Words’ group exhibition alongside his friend, and later godfather to his son Timothy, Fab 5 Freddy
The seminal MoMA PS1 exhibition New York/NewWave presents FUTURA alongside colleagues and friends Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rammellzee, and Kenny Scharf
While filming the movie Wild Style in 1981, Patti Astor asks Futura 2000 to create a mural in her East Third Street apartment. She celebrates the completion of the mural with a party where many artists and art intelligencers of the era attended. Due to the event’s positive reception, Astor's friend Bill Stelling offers up a small space to open an art gallery—famously known as the Fun Gallery.
1980
FUTURA and Zephyr are enlisted by Sam Esses to operationalize and be stewards for the “Esses Project”—regarded as arguably the first effort ever to bring graffiti genre artists to paint on canvas. As part of this project, FUTURA also paints his first canvas.
In this same year, FUTURA paints an entire train car—now known as the “Break” train—an aerosol-based foray into abstraction. The painted train car was famously photographed by Martha Cooper.
1970s
1979
FUTURA returns home and reconnects with Ali to form the seminal art collective the Soul Artists with Eric Haze. In addition to organizing community gatherings with other fellow artists in a space adjacent to Columbia University, the Soul Artists are paid to paint retail facades for local businesses in NYC. Their organization’s zine, “Zoo York”, makes cultural waves.
1975
During his naval service, FUTURA travels all over the world—visiting parts of Asia and Africa. He learns how to be a task-oriented global citizen, while simultaneously becoming fascinated with leading-edge technology such as radar, sonar—and the overall systems architecture of fighter jets.
1974
As Ali recovers from the incident, FUTURA decides to pause his participation in Graffiti, and enlists in the US Navy
1973
FUTURA and his friend, Marc André “ALI” Edmonds, sneak into the 1 train tunnel to paint. A freak fire combustion accident in the train tunnel (chronicled by an erroneous story in the New York Times that shared a false narrative) occurs where Ali is injured.
1970
At the age of 15, during subway to and from school, McGurr is first introduced to the enigmatic subculture of graffiti in NYC. Motivated by these experiences, he begins painting on the subway system and begins the foundational thinking around his moniker “Futura 2000”—creating his own identity.
1960s
1968
Stanley Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey has its theatrical debut. MrGurr regards the film’s framing of future, technology, and other-worldly travel as a life-changing phantasmagoria.
1964
The World’s Fair was a huge fair represented by 80 nations. It was an early influence for his future nomadic travels, graphic design sensibilities, and fascination with branding.
1955
Leonard Hilton McGurr is born at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
1955 is the same year that the Brooklyn Dodgers, the baseball team loved by McGurr’s mother, win the MLB World Series
Futura 2000: The City Is a Fantastic Gallery
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
FUTURA’s influence extends well beyond the studio, with his voice consistently sought in global cultural conversations. From intimate dialogues alongside Hiroshi Fujiwara and KAWS in Tokyo, to expert-led discussions at The Met, and major brand platforms like Louis Vuitton’s Artists of Influence, FUTURA continues to shape discourse at the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. These appearances reinforce his role not only as a pioneer of graffiti, but as a thought leader whose perspective bridges generations, disciplines, and global creative communities.
FUTURA IN CONVERSATION WITH HIROSHI FUJIWARA AND KAWS
The Tokyo Taramonon Edition, 2025
Met Expert Talks—Baseball at The Met
The MET, 2025
Louis Vuitton: Artists of Influence
Lee Quinones & FUTURA in Conversation, 2023
MUSEUMS
GALLERIES
FUTURA 2000: Breaking out
ICNCLST partnered with The Bronx Museum of the Arts to celebrate FUTURA’s first major New York City retrospective, BREAKING OUT. The focus of the exhibition was to showcase the artist’s evolution over five decades, from his revolutionary graffiti origins to his contemporary abstract practice, while positioning him as a global creative force whose work bridges street culture, fine art, and design. The program aimed to reconnect FUTURA to his Bronx roots, amplify his cultural impact, and elevate the museum as a platform for accessible, community-centered, and forward-thinking art.
Bronx Museum, New York, NY, 2025
SELECT EXHIBITIONS
Futura Akari, FUTURA
The Noguchi MuseUm, New York, 2020
Occupying the Museum’s former Shop, the installation presented a group of Akari light sculptures designed by Isamu Noguchi from 1952–86 and hand painted by FUTURA in 2020. It also included two cosmic paintings in aerosol on canvas, one of which, El Diablo, is a classic work from 1985.
Humble Souls, FUTURA and BTS
HYBE INSIGHT, SEOUL, 2021
“Humble Souls” featured eight “FL-006” sculptures designed by FUTURA which were all displayed in the center of his exhibition’s room. This grouping, with each sculpture featuring a unique color selected by each band member of BTS, served as a metaphor for continuous self-reflection, community solidarity, and diversity as strength.
MODERN CULTURE + CONTEMPORARY ART
Pioneering the influence of graffiti
FUTURA was known as early as the seventies for his radical approach in the streets. He broke existing conventions in the global graffiti scene by introducing abstraction to an entirely letter-based discipline.
FEATURED WORK
FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
1991
ABSTRACT WORK
Untitled
1984
Wife
2025
AN INFLUENTIAL PIONEER
Known as early as the seventies for his radical approach in the streets, he broke existing conventions in the global graffiti scene by introducing abstraction to an entirely letter-based discipline.
SCULPTURE
River Warrior
2022
Generation Z Exhibition
2019
PRINTS
FUTURA x Kenny Scharf
FUTURA x Verdy
FUTURA x Takashi Murakami
2021
Select Drawings
Radical then,
FUTURA’s methodology can now be viewed over a span of decades as something consummately pure.
LUXURY
FOOTWEAR
FASHION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FOOD + BEV
ENTERTAINMENT
Collaborations
FUTURA // Off-White SS20 Collection
Working hand in hand with Virgil Abloh and Off-White, FUTURA co-designed the SS20 offering for Off-White, which debuted at PFW. In addition to the apparel collection, FUTURA created a site-specific sculpture that featured in the set design, as well as a limited Off White / Nike / FUTURA Dunk Low, which a select number of pairs were auctioned at Sotheby’s.
FUTURA // COMME DES GARCON SS20 COLLECTION
Working hand in hand with Rei Kawakubo, FUTURA, and CDG, we created an incredibly vibrant SS20 collection that premiered at PFW summer 2019. FUTURA’s iconic artwork from yesteryear was translated onto both men’s and women’s high fashion garments.
FUTURA // KENZO by NIGO
ICNCLST/ played a pivotal role in managing the collaboration between Nigo and FUTURA, overseeing artist representation and product design to ensure the collection’s artistic and cultural integrity.
Breakdancing’s Olympic Debut // Paris 2024
In celebration of breakdancing’s Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, FUTURA and Nike teamed up to create a groundbreaking collection that honored the sport’s deep-rooted connection to street culture. Designed for movement, expression, and performance, the collection was worn by professional breakers from Team USA, Team Japan, and Team South Korea as they took center stage on the world’s biggest platform. The collaboration also introduced “The Jam,” a breakdancing-specific shoe engineered to support athletes as they push the boundaries of their craft.
FUTURA // Beats by Dre
Translating Street Art Into Wearable Sound
OBJECTS + COLLECTIBLES
A TRUE HISTORICAL ANOMALY
Working with FUTURA allows partners to co-create with a living legend.
BOOKS
FUTURA: The artist's monograph off-white edition cover
Released: 2021
FUTURA: The ARtist's Monograph
Released: 2020
FUTURA-ismS
Released: 2020
FUTURA 2000 FULL FRAME
Released: 2019
FUTURA
Released: 2000
PHILANTHROPIC WORK
FUTURA's philanthropic efforts focus on creating sustained access to arts education and creative opportunity. His Supreme collaboration raised substantial funds for Free Arts NYC, with 100% of proceeds supporting programs that empower underserved youth through art and mentorship. FUTURA’s commitment continues through the annual FUTURA 2000 Scholarship, providing unrestricted support to Free Arts participants in college, helping them cover essential expenses and pursue their creative and academic goals. By pairing immediate impact with long-term investment, FUTURA ensures that creativity is treated as a viable pathway for education, self-expression, and economic mobility.
Beyond education, FUTURA lends his artistry to socially conscious initiatives that amplify cultural and community impact. He designed the album artwork for The DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES2 project in collaboration with German design student Ramona Ring as part of (RED)’s global Adobe Creative Cloud competition, raising awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
FUTURA also contributed to the Artist Plate Project x ArtWalk NY, a limited-edition collection benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless. He created a unique, hand-painted 1/1 plate for the 100-plate series, each crafted by a celebrated contemporary artist and hand-signed on the verso. Proceeds support vital programs for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, transforming individual artistic expression into tangible community impact.
Through these initiatives, FUTURA demonstrates that art can be a powerful force for change—bridging education, mentorship, and community impact while ensuring that creativity translates into lasting opportunity for those who need it most.
FUTURA with Free Arts NYC Teens, Free Arts Gala 2022
Futura’s Legacy
A Causal Chain
Because FUTURA is a true innovator, and cultural icon, he has an authoritative place in art history. The historicization of his canon of art is on the precipice of being “validated” by the capital “A” art world. History cannot be unwritten — and eventually it must be celebrated.
NEW YORK HQ
50 White St
First Floor
New York
NY 10013
LOS ANGELES HQ
c/o CONTROL Gallery
434 N. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles
CA 90036
NEW YORK HQ
50 White St
First Floor
New York
NY 10013
LOS ANGELES HQ
c/o CONTROL Gallery
434 N. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles
CA 90036