Essentials: Lamour Supreme

Driven by the childlike goal of having fun, Lamour Supreme pursues his art with an oddly competitive–but ultimately collaborative–desire to inspire and be inspired by fellow artists. Having illustrated comics (Zen the Intergalactic Ninja during the early ’90s), sculpted and customized vinyl toys (several in collaboration with Mishka), designed streetwear, and painted, this boy from Brooklyn has certainly proven himself a prolific designer and now influential voice on the NYC art scene.

About his name, Lamour explains that “Lamour Supreme” puts a Francophilic spin on his beloved John Coltrane album A Love Supreme, which he felt was apt because like Coltrane’s album stirred up a sense of spiritual connection with all beings, he wished for his art to do the same. About himself, he cheekily points to his work: “This is my work. I created it so I wouldn’t have to describe what I do.” His colorful work continually draws inspiration from TV, pop culture, toys and comic books, and Lamour sums it up like this: “…if you’re having fun, creating what makes you happy and are an active participant in furthering any cultural movement, then you’re sure to succeed. Make what you’d like to see made, do it passionately and people will connect with it. Besides, it all ends up in the toilet anyway.” Truly a laid back, fun guy, Lamour’s Essentials speak for the culture that he lovingly embraces.

Photography: Hong Le/HYPEBEAST