Lower East Side documentarian Clayton Patterson captured famed graffiti artist Futura when he was recently creating his new mural, “Concrete Jungle,” on the graffiti wall at E. Houston St. and the Bowery. Futura, formerly known as Futura 2000, is the latest in a line of top street artists to have a turn on the wall, following the likes of Kenny Scharf, Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, JR, CRASH, REVOK/POSE, Maya Hayak and Ron English. Before them all, Keith Haring did a mural on the wall, which was part of property owned by Tony Goldman, who died three years ago at age 68. Futura, who started doing his art on subway trains in the 1970s and toured with The Clash, has always been known for his abstract style. In a statement, he said, “It is an absolute honor to join the list of creative individuals who have previously worked on this wall and moved through such historic time and space. My mural is inspired by and in loving memory of Mr. Tony Goldman, a true friend and supporter for many years.” “Concrete Jungle” features images of metal girders, along with abstract shapes and swooshes, in black, gray and white.
