As Futura 2000 celebrates his 60th birthday on November 17, BEINGHUNTED. is throwing a celebration in Berlin to honor the legendary graffiti artist and his lasting impact on art, fashion, and culture. Known for his groundbreaking work that transcended the streets, Futura continues to shape the intersection of art, culture, and music.
From the spray-painted walls of New York City to the album covers of iconic bands and designers, his journey—begun in the 1970s—has evolved with the cultural landscape, cementing his legacy in contemporary art.
The Origins
Lenny McGurr, better known as Futura 2000, stands at the crossroads of art, culture, and history. A pioneering figure in the graffiti scene, McGurr's journey began in the 1970s, when he adopted the name Futura 2000, inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. The turn of the millennium prompted a change in the moniker—Futura 2000 became simply Futura, but the legacy of that name remains, a testament to the artist’s enduring influence and foresight.
McGurr, whose influence has touched everything from graffiti to high fashion, maintains a quiet command. His conversation, though, is grounded in the authenticity of his roots—his art, his relationships, and his evolution as a creator.
“I’ve always been ahead of my time, but I’m still forward-thinking. I’m just trying to keep pushing.”
Impact Beyond Graffiti
From graffiti pioneers like Dondi White and Rammellzee, to art-world heavyweights such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kenny Scharf, Futura’s influence is far-reaching. His connection to The Clash, for whom he painted live backdrops during their 1981 European tour, exemplifies the artist’s seamless transition between subcultures.
One of the most significant relationships in McGurr’s career was his collaboration with Mo’Wax founder James Lavelle. The two met in Berlin in 1992, a meeting that would change the trajectory of both their careers. Lavelle, then a young music enthusiast, was familiar with McGurr’s work from the 1980s, a time when Futura was at the forefront of the graffiti movement. Lavelle’s admiration for the artist led to a lasting partnership that would see McGurr’s artwork become synonymous with the Mo’Wax label’s identity.
Futura’s designs were not merely elements of album covers—they were integral to the identity of the music itself. The Mo’Wax catalog, which included acts like DJ Shadow, Rob Dougan, and UNKLE, became a cultural phenomenon, in no small part because of the visual language that Futura helped create. His work for UNKLE’s 1998 album Psyence Fictionis iconic, a piece of art that defined the late ‘90s trip-hop era.
“James cared about how the artwork was integrated. He’d fly me into London, set me up with paints, and let me work. He wasn’t worried about the costs. He wanted something real.”
The bond between McGurr and Lavelle exemplified the symbiotic relationship between music, art, and design. Mo’Wax became a multimedia experience, a fusion of sound, visuals, and culture that transcended traditional boundaries. As McGurr puts it, Lavelle was a visionary: “What he wanted to do with his brand, label, music, and sound, he achieved something no one else had. His was a world where art and music existed in harmony.”
The Legacy
Despite his immersion in such influential circles, McGurr remains notably humble. Even as his works sell for tens of thousands at auction—pieces like the untitled Pointman from 2000, which fetched $38,000 at Sotheby’s—he downplays the notion of success in financial terms. “I never chased money or status. I’ve always been more focused on what I could create,” he says.
McGurr's art is a reflection of both personal evolution and cultural shifts. His iconic Pointman characters, atomic globes, and saw blades are enduring motifs, yet his practice continues to evolve. “It’s like a band that keeps making new music, even after the hits,” he explains.
“I need to express myself, even if it means trying new things that the audience hasn’t seen before.”
His journey has also been marked by personal sacrifices. After becoming a father, McGurr took time away from his art to focus on raising his children. “I was willing to take a step back,” he admits, “because I had responsibilities. When you have kids, you can’t just hope your art sells. You have to make sure there’s stability.”
Now, as his children—Timothy, a photographer, and Tabatha, a commercial real estate broker—forge their own paths, McGurr finds himself back in the studio, embracing the inevitability of his return to art. “Every time I tried to leave, I found my way back,” he says with a smile. “It’s inevitable.”
Today, Futura is not just a name in graffiti history; he is a multifaceted artist whose work spans across generations, mediums, and cultures. His ability to push the boundaries of what graffiti can be, combined with his influence on music and fashion, ensures that his legacy remains vibrant and relevant. As McGurr puts it, “I’ve always been ahead of my time, but I’m still forward-thinking. I’m just trying to keep pushing.”
To celebrate Futura’s 60th birthday and his legendary career, Montana Cans is launching a special edition colorway: FUTURA 2000 Black. The artist will be on hand, joined by his son Timmy aka 13thWitness, to unveil 3-4 new canvases. Berlin-based brand ACRONYM will also be presenting exclusive custom jackets, T-shirts, and bags for sale at the event—an experience you won’t want to miss.
19.11. 19:00, BEINGHUNTED., Wallstraße 4, Berlin 10179
