LEVEL UP.
I worked with Futura—formerly Futura 2000—to develop the first practical hands-on art series for MasterClass: a 15-lesson deep-dive into creating a visual identity through abstract paintings, tags or signatures, characters, and products.
Beyond breaking down his painting techniques for the first time, Futura makes clear: To express yourself, “all you need is an idea and a can of spray paint.”
Space-Age Design.
For the 1:1 interview setup, I had an idea to merge Futura’s history painting in the NYC subway system with his love of Kubrick and all things futuristic. Working alongside production designer Anna Kathleen we developed this “space-train” concept that references iconic imagery from 2001: A Space Odyssey and traditional subway architecture. Instead of advertisements typically seen on train cars, we filled the ad spaces with a new painting, Tempo Tantrum, painted for the class. We filmed the entire painting from start to finish and spread the footage throughout the class.
We created a space for Futura to demonstrate his painting techniques by draping aerospace-inspired parachutes that were meant to take on color as he worked. The plexiglass motif initiated in the 1:1 interview bridges the two spaces, this time serving a practical purpose as a painting surface.
Filmed at GUM Studios, Brooklyn, NY.
