In this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with the legendary Futura — the artist who helped shape the foundation of modern graffiti and redefine what street art could be. From painting NYC subway cars in the '70s to collaborating with punk bands, fashion houses, and global brands, Futura shares his story of artistic evolution, rebellion, and timeless relevance. They discuss the roots of graffiti, the power of abstraction, and what it means to stay original in a world obsessed with replication. This isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a blueprint for fearless creativity.
00:00:00 – Intro
00:01:03 – The New York Roots of Creativity
00:05:29 – Growing Up in the Bronx: Only Child, Big Dreams
00:07:19 – Survival Is the Real Art Form
00:10:03 – Living a Double Life: Goody Two-Shoes & Knucklehead
00:11:08 – The Birth of FUTURA 2000
00:12:28 – Fighting for Space in a Divided World
00:15:31 – Discovering Graffiti: The Breakout Years of ’72–’73
00:18:34 – Graffiti as the First Form of Self-Promotion
00:20:25 – Leaving for the Navy, Returning to a New Era
00:23:18 – Building the First “Compound” with Soul Artists
00:26:16 – Painting the Legendary Abstract Train
00:28:31 – The Martha Cooper Photo That Defined a Legacy
00:30:31 – Proof of Life: Rediscovering His Tag 50 Years Later
00:33:07 – The World of FUTURA: Sci-Fi, Space & Abstraction
00:43:11 – Balancing Art, Brand, and Authenticity
00:53:23 – Lessons, Legacy & Friendship That Lasts
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📸 https://instagram.com/futuradosmil
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