Blair Thurman is known for his post-minimalist paintings, neons and wall works. In the 1980s, as a way to escape the theories of the period, Thurman began to explore "pre-art school" subject matter and revisited his childhood fascination with cars and pop/comic culture.
He continues to be particularly interested in the iconography of Hot Wheels and slotcar tracks to explore American consumer culture with critical irony and a strong consciousness of the present time. As a child, Thurman was often behind the scenes at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, where his mother was director. Until today, he admires the aesthetics of both pop and minimalist art, particularly the works of Nam June Paik, Carl Andre, and Ed Kienholz, whose impact appear in his work. Deep Purple is also a reference to the band Deep Purple.
