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.

The History of American Graffiti

Arts & Photography

GASTMAN, Roger

NEELON, Caleb

History & Criticism

Harper Design

For the first time in all history, the power and visibility of street culture have brought the world's diverse subcultures together to share the same space. Bike messengers and skateboarders; graffiti writers on worldwide missions; DJs and fashionistas scouring every small neighbourhood store for rare finds; these are some of the heralds of a scene that includes new urban folk arts, flea markets, clubs, insistent and inspiring music, studios and workspaces, galleries and cafes, gangs and drugs - and love in a myriad of forms. From juggernauts like hip-hop and punk to much smaller but equally inspiring subcultures endemic to the streets of the Brazilian mega-cities, South African townships and the crowds of Mumbai, Street World is the only book to document it all.

Street World: Urban Culture from Five Continents (Street Graphics / Street Art)

Thames&Hudson

RISK - Old Habits Die Hard is the definitive book on Los Angeles graffiti originator and icon RISK. With a career spanning over four decades RISK recounts his history, failures, successes, and of course, the many brushes with the law. Over 350 pages and 700+ many never-before-seen photos help navigate the reader through the story of Los Angeles graffiti and how it was shaped. From the very early 80s to present-day, RISK has not slowed down but instead has continued to evolve, remaining at the forefront of the culture. Over the years, many graffiti writers and street artists have come and gone, but RISK has established that he is here to stay through his constant progression and his willingness to stay true to his art. This book narrates his role as one of the pioneers of graffiti in Los Angeles and his aim to not only push the boundaries of his own art but also help elevate the graffiti movement to worldwide recognition.

Risk: Old Habits Die Hard (1XRUN)

Seen

Other Media

1xRUN

"The Crips are the largest and most notorious black gang. Now with an estimated 250 sets nationwide, the Crips started in 1969 with just 10 members in South Central Los Angeles. Gregory ""Batman"" Davis was one of these founding members. Since its inception

Greg Batman Davis: Original Gangster

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Schiffer

Like Graffiti World, Freight Train Graffiti is the definitive history of a vibrant art form. Until now there was almost no written insight into this vast subculture, which inspires fascination across America and around the world. As dazzling as the art it celebrates, the book is packed with 1,000 full-color illustrations and features in-depth interviews with more than 125 train artists and "writers." Hundreds of never-before-seen photographs span the style's evolution, while the authoritative text from an all-star team of authors provides unprecedented perspective, including the first-ever written history of "monikers," the precursors of graffiti, developed by hobos and rail workers to communicate en route. Bound to surprise graffiti artists, graphic designers, and urban culture buffs alike, this book will inspire anyone who has ever been interested in graffiti.

Freight Train Graffiti

Rowland, Darin

Sattler, Ian

Harry N.Abrams, Inc.

Ever since hip-hop and punk music rose from the ashes of urban blight to become two of the most potent youth culture movements of the twentieth century, the world’s streets have taken center stage as vibrant sites of creativity. And in less than a generation, thanks to ease of travel and the Internet, a new global street culture has emerged, bringing all of the world’s diverse subcultures and modes of urban expression together: graffiti, skateboarding and bike messengering, DJing, offbeat fashion, gang life, music, as well as design, photography, and other more traditional visual art. Street World: Urban Culture and Art from Five Continents is the first book to record the whole phenomenon. From New York and Los Angeles to the Brazilian mega-cities, South African townships, and Mumbai, authors Roger Gastman, Caleb Neelon, and Anthony Smyrski highlight cultural hotspots around the world. Divided into more than 50 topics and illustrated with more than 500 photographs, this book celebrates the street as a stage for the visual creativity of a generation.

Street World: Urban Culture and Art from Five Continents

SMYRSKI, Anthony

Graphic Design

Abrams Books

The first large-scale American museum exhibition to survey the colorful history of graffiti and street art movements internationally. Highlighting the connection between graffiti and street art and other vibrant subcultures, such as those that developed around Hip Hop in the Bronx and skateboarding in Southern California, Art in the Streets explores parallel movements in dance and music. The exhibition is curated by MoCA Director Jeffrey Deitch, working with a curatorial advisory committee that includes Roger Gastman and Aaron Rose.

Art in the Streets

Rose, Aaron

Deitch, Jeffrey

Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions

Skira/Rizzoli

An acclaimed young artist takes readers on a visual journey through the colorful streets of D.C., featuring the hit-and-run stories of the city's most notorious graffiti artists. Candid interviews reveal their motivations, offering glimpses into a unique lifestyle and an underappreciated art form.

Free Agents: A History of Washington, D.C. Graffiti

R. Rock

Hello Kitty, Hello Art! is a celebration of the iconic Hello Kitty character and other beloved Sanrio characters through the eyes of dozens of contemporary artists and Hello Kitty fans, including Gary Baseman, Ron English, Luke Chueh, CRASH, Anthony Lister, Eric Joyner, Camilla d’Errico, Amanda Visell, Colin Christian, Huck Gee, Luke Chueh, Deph, and Yosuke Ueno, among others. This hardcover collectible book features a variety of well-known international artists and their unique interpretations of Sanrio characters in various media, including canvas, spray paint, watercolor and ink, aerosol and acrylics on wood, mixed media, oil on panel, and silk screen. The pieces in the book reflect the many ways Hello Kitty and Sanrio have influenced and inspired so many artists around the world.

Hello Kitty, Hello Art!

Sanrio Company, LTD.

SANRIO

Harry N. Abrams

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Books by GASTMAN, Roger