On November 30, HYBE INSIGHT received a refresh to the items on display and opened graffiti artist Futura’s HUMBLE SOULS exhibition. Futura is known to the public for his work in the fields of design and illustration in his collaborations with fashion brands, but he’s first and foremost a pioneering figure in the world of graffiti who has been active in the scene since the art style first began to appear in galleries. This is the first time that the living graffiti legend’s work has been on display in Korea and includes both his existing works as well as BTS-inspired pieces made especially for the exhibit. On that note, let’s take a look at the world of Futura, the second artist invited to open a special exhibition at HYBE INSIGHT, and the exhibition he’s put on.

Futura got his start showing off his unique vision through his use of graffiti on the New York City Subway in the 1970s and went on to become a star of the graffiti world alongside familiar names like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring in the 1980s. He developed his artistic sense while in the field, expanding the possibilities of graffiti by departing from the typical styles of lettering and tagging and taking an abstract approach instead. Futuristic motifs and space iconography jump out from his abstract canvases, while science fiction and technology—interests he’s held since childhood—naturally find their way in as well. The engaging arrangement of colors in the works on display in the exhibition grab the eye in much the same way as his street art. Although the nature of the canvas allows the artist more freedom in his choice of media compared to working outdoors, he nonetheless puts his strengths clearly on display with liberal use of spray paint. Unlike other paints, whose unique textures remain intact just the way they were at the moment they were first applied, spray paint, which thins out as it travels through the air, gives off a sense of graffiti’s roots, while Futura’s work is also reminiscent of abstract expressionism, which focuses more on form itself and has added to the popularity of his work. Even after finding success through exhibitions at famous museums, Futura didn’t stop: He continued expanding his scope to show off his work through collaborations with numerous brands. This exhibition is particularly interesting given how many different forms and approaches his art has taken over the years.

Visitors to HYBE INSIGHT will be able to browse exhibits related to HYBE artists on the second basement level, after which they can move up one level and experience HUMBLE SOULS. Futura’s colors unfold in a calming sensory space that harmonizes with the works he’s given the world to date and produces an incredibly vivid and inspiring scene. The artist met BTS in order to create the portraits created especially for this exhibit. Motifs of the sci-fi interests of his youth can also be spotted in the form of alien- and android-like images. Although they’re not apparently human in form, they seem like a patchwork of analogues of modern humanoids who find themselves delighting in futurism. Each member of BTS chose their own color and the placard next to each piece indicates by name which member each is meant to symbolize. On top of that, eight sculptures—one for each of the BTS members and another for Futura in his own color—are shown walking their own paths but meeting together in the exhibition hall as one. As explained in the exhibition guide, the collaboration between BTS and Futura at HYBE INSIGHT is an encounter between artists who listen to the voice deep inside their souls. As a place where you can look upon those humble souls who strive to be all they can be in their own fields with their unique temperaments, it’s a powerful influence that’s sure to stay with anyone who visits.

TRIVIA

Graffiti art

Graffiti art is an artform expressed through the use of scribble-like scratching or spray paint and usually appears on walls or other outdoor surfaces. It's also known as street art or urban art because it’s mainly found outside in city spaces. Modern graffiti is now one of four major components integral to hip hop culture. It started out as a way to leave one’s name or quickly scribble something and eventually established itself as a genre of art with a unique way of expressing messages through various images.