'Future Pastime' Spotlights Iconic Illustrations of 'Blade Runner' Artist Syd Mead
Highlighting cinematic illustrations that inspired the likes of George Lucas and Joe Johnston.
From the laser-lit highways of TRON to the neon dystopia of Blade Runner, the late artist Syd Mead has reflected the bright and dark possibilties of a futuristic humanity in his iconic Sci-Fi illustrations and paintings. An exhibition paying homage to Mead’s prolific career as a designer is now underway.
Entitled Future Pastime, the presentation will focus on Mead’s impeccable ability to build expansive worlds on a humble 2D format alongside his sweeping, cinematic illustrations that inspired the likes of George Lucas and Joe Johnston.
Mead honed his drawing abilities across a decorated career that saw him working for a handful of major corporations. He started out as a budding studio artist hired by the Ford Motor Company in 1959 and then he went on to create promotional catalogues for U.S. Steel. He elevated his resume by collaborating with Chrysler, General Electric, Sony, Toyota and Phillips who were attracted to the futuristic components and innovative sensibilities imbued in his projects.
His brush with Hollywood came immediately afterwards with Robert Wise enlisting Mead to helm storyboards for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Steven Lisberger’s TRON (1982) and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982).
“Syd did not just imagine the future—he built it. His visions shaped the way we dream, design, and depict tomorrow. From the vehicles we drive to the cities we build, the films we watch to the technologies we pursue, our collective vision of the future has been profoundly shaped by his hand,” as described on a press statement.
Future Pastime will go on view from March 27 through May 21 at the address below.
Syd Mead: Future Pastime
534 W 26th St.
New York, NY 10001
