The first truly comprehensive history of graffiti’s secretive, illegal culture. If there were a college course on graffiti, this would be its textbook.
Shepard Fairey

This book is a much needed celebration of a true American art form.
Alain Maridueña, AKA Alan Ket, author of Graffiti Planet, Rockin’ It Suckers, and Graffiti Tattoo

Vivid, comprehensive, and accessible, Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon’s The History of American Graffiti offers an unprecedented tour through this vibrant, controversial art form and the grassroots movement that surrounds it. Featuring over 1,000 never-before-published photographs and interviews with hundreds of graffiti artists from New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Cleveland, Phoenix, and beyond, The History of American Graffiti is a raw, real, and revealing look at one of the most unifying institutions of modern city life.

Book Description

Unprecedented in scope, The History of American Graffiti is the definitive story behind the most influential art form of the last one hundred years. Tracing the evolution of the medium from its early freight-train days to its big-city boom on the streets of New York City and Philadelphia, and to its modern-day influences, this volume is a compelling look at the key moments, places, and players in an art form distinctly American in flavor yet global in its reach.

Featuring behind-the-scenes stories and profiles gleaned from more than four years’ worth of interviews with graffiti’s most prominent names, as well as its lesser-known pioneers, authors Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon provide an insider’s perspective on the history of the medium. Not only do they reveal the most popular trends and styles that have dominated the scene for the last fifty years but they also provide a thorough examination of the regional differences among major American hubs—New York, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Chicago—and under-the-radar scenes in cities like Washington, D.C., Boston, and Miami. All told, more than twenty-five American cities are profiled, making this one of the most comprehensive volumes on the subject.

With more than one thousand photographs—the majority of which are seen here for the first time—from more than two hundred photographers, most of whom also created the artwork, The History of American Graffiti captures the look and feel of a genuine American art form with exceptional clarity and detail. An instant classic, this book is the ultimate resource to which aficionados of the art form will turn again and again, and which the uninitiated will regard as the definitive tutorial of all that is graffiti.

‘Wild style’ graffiti may be the most influential art movement since pop art. Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon have written the definitive history of the origins of the graffiti styles that emerged in Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles in the early 1970s and inspired young artists around the world.
Jeffrey Deitch, director, Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art

Graffiti is a much-maligned and misunderstood social movement, which I am proud to be a part of. This book offers the definitive perspective on graffiti-finally, we have a historical textbook for the most colorful art form modern society has known.
David Arquette, actor

When the American graffiti movement emerged, it was ‘outsider’ art, youth art, and public art all at once. It shattered racial and economic segregation and provoked political and generational reprobation. Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon’s The History of American Graffiti is as sweeping, provocative, and monumental as the movement itself.
Jeff Chang, author, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation

WHOLETRAIN is an exciting and emotionally gripping drama, one that explores for the first time the secret universe of the graffiti scene. The protagonists exist in a breathless state, suspended somewhere between two worlds: their day to day life, and their existence within the crew. Florian Gaag manages to recount a tale colored by tension and aggression. The result is a many-sided portrait of characters whose world has never been documented in this way before. Their subculture remains authentic and realistic. Edgy editing and grandiloquent camerawork, a pulsating soundtrack and an excellent ensemble of actors, make WHOLETRAIN a film experience not to be missed.

The soundtrack was written and produced by Florian Gaag, who worked with legendary figures like Hip Hop greats KRS-One, Freddie Foxxx, O.C., Planet Asia, Afu-Ra, Grand Agent, Tame One, Akrobatik and El Da Sensei. Florian Gaag also collaborated with internationally renowned graffiti artists. Writers such as Neon, Won, Cemnoz, Pure and Ciel, who were responsible for the artwork.

Carhartt & OTA Gallery prezinta expozitia de fotografie “ALL CITY WRITERS”.

Vernisaj / Opening
• Joi, 1 Iulie 2010 / Ora 19:00
• OTA Gallery / Bucuresti
• Str. Dr. Staicovici 26

Party all night long
• DJ LUCAS & EMAP

ALL CITY WRITERS EXPO
• Expozitia se desfasoara in perioada: 01.07.2010 – 15.07.2010

Proiectul “ALL CITY WRITERS” este rezultatul unei ample cercetari asupra miscarii graffiti, axata in special asupra procesului de transmitere al acesteia din New York in toata Europa in perioada anilor ’80.

“ALL CITY WRITERS” cauta sa documenteze evolutia si consecintele fenomenului cultural denumit “graffiti”, responsabil pentru provocarea multor schimbari in estetica si comunicarea societatii moderne.

Cartea “ALL CITY WRITERS” de Andrea Caputo este publicata prin Kitchen93 si sustinuta de Carhartt.

“ALL CITY WRITERS” contine 1230 de poze, 620 de articole, 410 pagini color si mai bine de 250 de writeri implicati in contributia cartii. “ALL CITY WRITERS” devine astfel unul dintre cele mai importante proiecte din literatura graffiti, proiect prin care totodata se reflecta cat de mult aceasta cultura a fost asimilata de societate.

Mai multe informatii despre “ALL CITY WRITERS” puteti gasi aici.

Edit: Iata ce a fost la OTA Gallery, in Bucuresti (multumim Tim pentru link si StencilTV pentru videoclip!)

You can also download the low quality version of this book.

Ciungam Blackbook: Issue 2 is expected to be especially dedicated to walls.
Thank you Kredy and keep up the good work man ;) Looking forward for next issues. Stay tuned!

‘Calligraffiti – The Graphic Art of Niels “SHOE” Meulman’ is an impressive publication that presents a large selection of typographic works by Niels Shoe Meulman arranged in a uniquely simplistic manner; every spread presents two interacting visuals on its opposing pages.

This repeating duality makes this book much more than just a collection of the artist’s best work; it unveils the basis of all graphic art. The idea of universal harmony, sometimes described as yin and yang, is translated to the 21st century. Like ‘black and white’ or even ‘less and more’. Throughout the book there will be comments written by Adam Eeuwens and the artist. The book will also include an essay by Adam Eeuwens about the artist and the significance of his work.

Niels ‘Shoe’ Meulman is a contemporary Dutch calligrapher, typographer and designer who successfully made the transition from the street to high end design. His work can be described as classical freehand calligraphy combined with street edge and contemporary design aesthetic. With firm roots in graffiti, Shoe is a member of Europe’s infamous Crime Time Kings who ruled supreme in the 80s and 90s.

Today, his design and typographic works are included in the permanent collections of MOMA San Francisco and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. They can also be found wandering the streets, gracing a range of luxurious silk scarves – out on his ‘Unruly’ label – worn by fashionistas and Hip Hop heads alike.

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: From Here to Fame; 1st edition (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches

Subway World: Graffiti on Trains

Subway World is an upcoming book about graffiti on subway trains all over the world. What started in New York in the seventies has become an worldwide artform with thousands of artists. The tradition of using subway cars as canvases has been preserved and has become an integrated part of the graffiti movement. Subway World takes you through more than 50 cities and four different continents. Everywhere where there are subway trains there is graffiti.

From Moscow in Russia and Tbilsi in Georgia through Hiroshima in Japan, Los Angeles in the USA, Toronto in Canada and Buenos Aires in Argentina to London, Berlin, Milan and Paris in Europe. Subway World gives you hard facts on all the subway systems aswell as short stories and trivia. From North America: New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Baltimore, Washington DC, Atlanta. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Cleveland and Mexico City.

About the Author

Torkel Sjostrand is a photographer and editor for Underground Productions magazine. His earlier books include 1207, Gates of Graffiti and Overground.

Book description

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dokument (November 15, 2009)
• Language: English

By Stuart Bagshaw and David Oates / Paperback, 144 pages, Prestel

The art of graffiti is alive and well in this English city by the sea, where the city and artists are working together to turn what was considered a public nuisance into a legitimate and treasured part of the Brighton experience. In page after page of powerful images, the authors present a pictorial evolution of street art, displaying an incredible range of styles and talents.

This book documents the history of Brighton Graffiti, from the first crude tags that were meant to defile to the dazzling murals painted on the seawalls which extend along the coast, drawing graffiti crews from all over the world. These photographs are interspersed with quotes from the most important graffiti artists who have worked in Brighton. What emerges is an inspiring example of graffiti as a valid, respected, and treasured art form within the town.

For more than two decades, Brighton, England’s graffiti scene has thrived. At first, the art form was banned, confining it to the walls of deserted buildings and train tracks. Over time, the city council embraced this underground expression, sponsoring murals and offering free youth classes on graffiti techniques. Now, Brighton is considered a Mecca for graffiti artists.

In Brighton Graffiti, Bagshaw and Oates have compiled photographs that document the evolution of the movement. These photos depict a variety of graffiti styles and artists. Additionally, quotes from Brighton artists are included on many of the pages, giving the images perspective and insight.

Preston has published several urban-art books, most recently Paris Street Art by Romuald Stivine and Vito Del Forte and Berlin Street Art 2 by Sven Zimmerman. These books showcase the most innovative street art in both cities – from a heart-shaped Parisian stoplight to an astronaut stencil adorning a Berlin apartment building.

The first book documenting Miami’s graffiti scene by the photographers and authors of the two best-selling New York City graffiti art books, Broken Windows (Gingko Press 2002) and Burning New York (Gingko Press 2006). The graffiti art featured in Miami Graffiti is full of vibrant, tropical colors and a multitude of styles reflecting the surrounding environment. Alongside works of hundreds of artists are interviews, which take the reader on a lush visual journey through this unique and flourishing art form.

If Miami isn’t a city normally associated with graffiti, this vibrant and exquisitely photographed collection of works will make readers think again. Over two hundred images reflect Miami’s hugely diverse culture with their eye-popping colors, Art Deco flourishes, depictions of palm trees, beaches, marine life, and local iconic figures. Here, a surprising and dangerous underside to the area is also captured. Extensive coverage of abandoned buildings nicknamed Penits, A” de facto museums where entire crews practice their styles, and on-the-outs writers occasionally end up living, proves there is more to the city than South Beach’s glitz and glam. Dozens of close-up shots reveal gorgeous, intricate detail, and in-process shots illustrate the technique of turning blank walls, buses, billboards, and other public canvases into stunning masterpieces. Quotes from the city’s leading graffiti artists including Crome, Quake, and Siner lend further local perspective to this increasingly popular and universal urban art form.

JAMES and KARLA MURRAY are professional photographers and authors. Their books include Broken Windows, Burning New York and Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York. They live and work in Florida and New York, where their photos have been exhibited at the Brooklyn Historical Society and the New-York Historical Society.

Original in concept and design, this living history of the graffiti movement mimics the actual sketchbooks graffiti artists use to perfect their work before it goes public.

Before it hits the wall, graffiti is often painstakingly planned out in a sketchbook or piece book. Well-worn and dog-eared, these books are passed along from artist to artist as a way of sharing ideas and offering instruction. Here hundreds of drawings, most of them never before published, are reproduced on uncoated paper to resemble the pages of an authentic piecebook. Bold and beautiful works from graffiti history s most important sources or seeds Zephyr, Dondi, Daze, CRASH, Lady Pink, T-Kid, CAP and Ghost, among others represent a dizzying array of techniques. The authors, former graffiti practitioners themselves, offer biographies of the artists and an introductory essay on why piecebooks have become such valuable historical records. Fans of graffiti will find this Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers an irresistible inside look at how their favorite artists perfected their talents.

Books: Graffiti World / Graffiti Women: Street Art from the Five Continents
Author: Nicholas Ganz-Editor

Although not a work of fiction, Graffiti Women is an important art exposé pertaining strictly to works by female graffiti artists.

One of my friends sent this to me and I feel it is a valid and fascinating collection of urban and contemporary artists in a field that is riddled with misunderstandings within much of mainstream society.

In addition, the Chester Fritz Library houses the book’s counterpart: Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents – also edited by Nicholas Ganz. Both are aesthetically beautiful.

You can buy both books in a special set for Amazon.com shoppers: Graffiti World/Graffiti Women Two-Pack.

In the past on our site was also hosted a review for Street World: Urban Art and Culture from Five Continents. You might want to check that out, too.