EAST HAMPTON NY.- This August, Eric Firestone Gallery debuts a new series of ambitious, large-scale painted “TARPESTRIES” by FUTURA at its flagship East Hampton gallery and The Garage, the Gallery’s newest East Hampton space, which recently opened to the public. Created with layers of spray paint on manipulated tarp, the abstract paintings are displayed unframed and unstretched in the same manner as traditional tapestries throughout the gallery’s combined 8,000-square-feet of exhibition space. On view from August 6 through September 18, 2022, TARPESTRIES marks the second solo presentation of FUTURA’s work at the Gallery.

Comprising more than 20 paintings, ranging from 7 to 25 feet, the works on view explore what FUTURA playfully refers to as his “Van Wrinkle” approach, a fragmenting technique in which the artist spray paints on industrial tarps instead of canvas. The resulting works are realized in both monochromatic hues as well as full-color applications and feature textured, highly paint-saturated surfaces. While embracing a new process and medium for the artist, this body of work marks a return to FUTURA's roots in a purist form—with a progressive use of spray paint and a colossal scale not seen since his early days working in situ. The artist will also present a new sculpture in bronze.

Among the most celebrated figures emerging from the graffiti art movement in the early 1980s, FUTURA has continued to cultivate an innovative studio practice over the past four decades, working across scales and media. FUTURA’s latest exhibition at Eric Firestone Gallery reflects the gallery’s commitment to reexamining traditional narratives of post-war American art and its ongoing advocacy for contemporary creativity. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of programming and events, including an artist talk and opening reception, and will be followed by the gallery’s presentation of a solo booth of FUTURA works for the inaugural ART SG art fair in Singapore in January 2023.

“I’m very excited about my upcoming “TARPESTRIES” exhibition with Eric Firestone Gallery, a transition in style and scale, a known departure with an unexpected arrival,” said FUTURA.

“This new body of work reflects FUTURA’s enduring studio practice, one that is informed by his creative origins while at the same time leverages new media and techniques. The results are richly layered, expressive works that push new boundaries and yet are immediately identifiable as the artist’s own,” said Firestone. “This exhibition speaks to the innovation and evolution of FUTURA’s distinctive practice, and the gallery’s focus on expanding the canon of postwar and contemporary art.”