Recap: Futura's Future-Shock Art Exhibition In NYC
There's nothing quite as electric as Fashion Week in New York City.
The buzz, the glitz, the couture make everyone wear their Sunday's best, and last week was no exception! The who's who from the world of art, fashion, and entertainmen t converged to form Voltron-esqu e style to celebrate, FUTURE SHOCK, an exhibition of new works created by legendary graffiti artist, FUTURA 2000. One of the early stars within the underground culture, the New York native went from illegally painting on subway cars to showing off his talents alongside Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf. More recently, he transitioned into being a successful graphic designer and gallery artist, lending a uniquely intoxicating touch in his own special edition of the Hennessy V.S. bottle. FUTURA’s new book, published by Rizzoli, will come out in fall 2014.
The opening, which was hosted by Andy Valmorbida and PM Tenore, marked the first solo showcase of new paintings by FUTURA in over a decade. Curated by artist/filmm aker Nemo Librizzi, the exhibition was full of vibrant images, colorful conversation , and plenty of guest appearances! With such names as Maxwell, Jessica Hart, Russell Simmons, Kool Keith and Alan Ket in the mix, VIBE Pop Culture had to be on hand to bring you this recap from the first night of New York City's famed Fashion Night Out.
All photos in the gallery, which you can see below, were shot by David X.
The buzz, the glitz, the couture make everyone wear their Sunday's best, and last week was no exception! The who's who from the world of art, fashion, and entertainmen
The opening, which was hosted by Andy Valmorbida and PM Tenore, marked the first solo showcase of new paintings by FUTURA in over a decade. Curated by artist/filmm
All photos in the gallery, which you can see below, were shot by David X.
Kool Keith —
The man also known as Ultra-Octa-D
Brigitte Engler, FUTURA 2000, Nissim Hershkovits, Ester Hershkovits, David Hershkovits —
Figuration and abstractions mingle, as celebrated artist Brigitte Engler ("Twin Twin," Pierogi Gallery, New York) makes this shot a family affair with FUTURA 2000, and PAPER Magazine founder David Hershkovits alongside his children. Currently, Hershkovits' Eyespy column runs monthly in PAPER.
Kool Keith —
Black Elvis stands in front of FUTURA 2000's very vibrant artwork at the 560 Washington Street location in SoHo, New York City.
Living Work Meets World —
A guest patron saint of flyness for the night, this colorful citizen stands in contrast to the night's equally dazzling array of artwork, becoming one with FUTURA 2000's work in the process.
Anthony Haden-Guest, Clinton Patterson, Billy Leroy —
While one man may only claim to be a member of the Beard Gang, Anthony Haden-Guest and William "Billy" Leroy hold intriguing distinctions of their very own. Haden-Guest, the British-American socialite, reporter, cartoonist, art critic and more, also serves as a frequent contributor to major publications. Lower East Side's own Billy Leroy, meanwhile, enjoys his status as "the last holdout of the old Bowery," as the owner of Billy's Antiques and Props.
Andy Valmorbida, FUTURA 2000 —
A celebrated love of art is what Melbourne, Australia's own Andy Valmorbida shares with FUTURA 2000. Appreciators of these two creativists' work should check out Valmorbida.com to stay connected with any upcoming exhibitions.
Nathan Webster, Chris Carey, PM Tenore, Spencer Regan, Keegan Gibbs, Benji Weatherly —
Pat "PM" Tenore, founder of RVCA (pronounced Ruca) defies convention alongside notable vandals such as Keegan Gibbs and Benji Weatherly. Together these band of brothers are responsible for fusing skate and surf culture with music and art. Coming out in support for FUTURA 2000's FUTURE SHOCK, these characters continue to promote the quest of finding the hollowest tube, the most crackable lip, and the longest waves to shred on.
Eli Mizrahi, Dania Ramirez —
The Israeli singer-songwriter, Eli Mizrahi, stands alongside actress Dania Ramirez, and their "entourage," at FUTURA 2000's FUTURE SHOCK exhibition in SoHo, New York City. Ramirez can most recently be found in Universal Pictures' American Reunion and Columbia Pictures' Premium Rush co-starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Alexia Niedzielski, Andy Valmorbida, Elizabeth von Guttman —
Artist Andy Valmorbida is surrounded by the Ever Manifesto creators, Alexia Niedzielski and Elizabeth von Guttman. The two eco-chic beauties highlight the importance of using ecologically sound materials in the production of modern goods.
Ouattara Watts, Q Chi —
The Ivorian painter stands alongside All City, New York's finest, Q Chi, to commemorate FUTURA 2000's FUTURE SHOCK exhibition in SoHo, NYC. The Abidjan, Ivory Coast creativist met and befriended Jean-Michel Basquiat at an exhibition opening in January 1988, and has led a creative life within the Arts.
Kacey Librizzi, Nemo Librizzi, John Newsom, Ouattara Watts —
NYC-based artist and filmmaker, Nemo Librizzi (Superman Goes to Budapest), is affectionately known as "The Magician of Rivington Street," and here he holds court with his wife, Kacey, artist Ouattara Watts, celebrated solo exhibitor John Newsom.
Jessica Hart —
Everybody's favorite Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model came out to support and show love to FUTURA 2000 during his FUTURE SHOCK exhibition in SoHo, NYC. The gorgeously put-together Aussie managed to stand out against many whom attended.
FUTURA 2000, Carlo McCormick, PM Tenore —
The man of the hour joins RVCA founder PM Tenore and monograph manic, Carlo McCormick for a quick pose. PAPER Magazine's senior editor is also a well-respected culture critic and curator.
Kool Keith, FUTURA 2000, Marc Live —
These three amigos do their best B-boy stance, as FUTURA 2000 throws up the peace sign to represent all things Hip-Hop. Marc Live, co-founder of Bronx's Hip-Hop group Raw Breed, adds another level of legend to Kool Keith and FUTURA's triumvirate
Andy Valmorbida, Lulu Tuti, Nellee Hooper, Elizabeth Gilpen —
The FUTURE SHOCK host and famed producer, Nellee Hooper (Björk, No Doubt) are made to appear as mere frogs when standing next to the outstanding gorgeousness of Lulu Tuti and Elizabeth Gilpen. This past May, Hooper collaborated with English singer-songwriter Paloma Faith to put our her second studio album, Fall to Grace.
Kool Keith, Russell Simmons —
Two titans of tremendous stature, Kool Keith and Russell Simmons signify a time in Hip-Hop where it was cool to be who you are. Remaining true to that essence, Rush and Dr. Octagon stand in solidarity to salute FUTURA 2000 at his FUTURE SHOCK exhibition in SoHo, NYC.
Maxwell —
R&B crooner Maxwell, standing in front of an impressive piece of work created by FUTURA 2000, came out to show his love to the graffiti legend.
Art —
It is open to your interpretation, yet the colors pop with a heated flare that is emphasized by FUTURA's aerosol strokes.
Art —
Photographer David X manages to capture two sides of a similar artistic coin. FUTURA 2000's controlled chaos on canvas is emphasized by the vibrant colors utilized to promote the energy of the piece.
Art —
FUTURA 2000's bread-and-butter was earned by the aerosol can, making this piece a bit of an homage to his most honored tradition. Look closely enough and you can see just how well a bomber FUTURA is!
Maxwell —
Celebrated singer-songwriter, Maxwell, asks VIBE.com the question, "Can you wait to hear my new album, blackSUMMERS'night?!" The answer is: NO! WE CAN'T! GIVE IT TO US NOW!!!
Kristina Evans, Maxwell —
What's better than having a dope art collection? Having an even doper piece of fineness on one's arm. Maxwell demonstrates his deft ability at having both, with the beautiful Kristina Evans by his side, while in attendance of FUTURA 2000's FUTURE SHOCK exhibition in SoHo, New York City.
FUTURA 2000, Russell Simmons —
One pioneered abstract street art, and the other pioneered Hip-Hop labels as we know it to this day. Can you guess who is who?
FUTURA 2000, David Hershkovits, Fab 5 Freddy —
Old New York embraces one another as PAPER Magazine founder David Hershkovits hugs graffiti legend FUTURA 2000, much to the chagrin of fellow Hip-Hop legend, Fab 5 Freddy.
Art —
If you want to see more work from FUTURA 2000 and his amazing style, be sure to head over to FUTURA2000.com to check out this dopeness!

