Graffiti Kings

The definitive book on New York's subway graffiti movement, "Graffiti Kings" features personal interviews with the artists and more than 275 full-color, previously unpublished photographs that bring the movement's origins to life.

BLADE has already told his life story through graffiti. Now, more than forty years into his career and armed with an incredible memory, BLADE sits down with Chris Pape to reflect on growing up in the Bronx in the turbulent 1970s, and recounts the highs and lows of his storied career, holding nothing back. BLADE is considered "The King of Graffiti" because, by 1980, after painting 5,000 wildly creative trains, he stopped counting. This book parallels the New York graffiti movement almost from its inception, moving through its glory years in the mid-1970s, when BLADE earned his title, and ending in the global art scene, where he remains a major presence. BLADE helped New York graffiti become internationally famous by making it look fun, and, for reasons of quantity, quality, and, perhaps above all, for sheer spirit, BLADE may very well be the most popular graffiti artist with his peers.

Among the famous graffiti artists from New York City's 1970s subway era was an unassuming talent from the unassuming borough of Queens. The Italian-American rock and roller who wrote "DON 1 MAFIA" blasted onto the scene like a meteorite out of nowhere. His influence on this art form transcended the inner city and he became a legend and a household name. But his descent from the top of this name game, a result of the hedonistic lifestyle of New York City at the time, was just as swift, and for years DON1 has lived in obscurity. Fortunately, as a photographer studying at the prestigious school of Art and Design, DON1 documented his iconic work, along with that of his well known contemporaries, using his trusted 35mm camera. This penetrating work takes the reader inside the supernova that was DON1's creative life with nearly 200 never before seen graffiti photos of the most undocumented NYC train lines and an even rarer glimpse at work from his black book.

67 of Scandinavia's best graffiti writers have provided the outlines - now it's up to the reader to chose the colours. As fun for children as it is for adults, the Graffiti Coloring Book features drawings by legends such as Skil, Nug, Egs and Bates.

Debate has long raged over whether graffiti can be considered an art form. Its illegal nature has caused many people to denounce it, while others contend that a work does not have to be legal to be art. The heart of the question is, what defines art? Informative text discusses competing views on the issue, presenting all sides of the debate to help readers form their own opinions. Engaging sidebars spotlight graffiti artists such as the famous Banksy, while eye-catching photographs provide examples of some of the most original graffiti designs.

A fascinating guide to decoding the secret language of the churches of England through the medieval carved markings and personal etchings found on our church walls from archaeologist Matthew Champion. 'Rare, lovely glimmers of everyday life in the Middle Ages.' -- The Sunday Times 'A fascinating and enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 'Superb' -- ***** Reader review 'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 'Compelling, moving and fascinating' -- ***** Reader review ***************************************************************************************************** Our churches are full of hidden messages from years gone by and for centuries these carved writings and artworks have lain largely unnoticed. Having launched a nationwide survey to gather the best examples, archaeologist Matthew Champion shines a spotlight on a forgotten world of ships, prayers for good fortune, satirical cartoons, charms, curses, windmills, word puzzles, architectural plans and heraldic designs. Here are strange medieval beasts, knights battling unseen dragons, ships sailing across lime-washed oceans and demons who stalk the walls. Latin prayers for the dead jostle with medieval curses, builders' accounts and slanderous comments concerning a long-dead archdeacon. Strange and complex geometric designs, created to ward off the 'evil eye' and thwart the works of the devil, share church pillars with the heraldic shields of England's medieval nobility. Giving a voice to the secret graffiti artists of Medieval times, this engaging, enthralling and - at times - eye-opening book, with a glossary of key terms and a county-by-county directory of key churches, will put this often overlooked period in a whole new light.

On the sides of buildings, on bridges, billboards, mailboxes, and street signs, and especially in the subway and train tunnels, graffiti covers much of New York City. This book offers a rare look into this world of contemporary graffiti culture.

Teaches a variety of graffiti word designs. Includes step-by-step instructions, in both pictures and text that will guide one through the process of creating a graffiti masterpiece.

Jamaica, Queens, New York in the mid 1980s. Rappers, celebrities and hip hop fans came from all over the city to get their own customized T-shirt by the Shirt Kings. The style traveled all over the world through record covers and music videos, and the Shirt Kings designs soon became synonymous with hip hop and the culture of making something out of nothing. Shirt Kings: Pioneers of Hip Hop Fashion looks at the early days of street wear through the lens of the pioneering group of artistic entrepreneurs known as the Shirt Kings. By adapting the graffiti skills from the trains and spray cans to shirts and airbrush they created a new look for a new generation. Edwin PHADE Sacasa is a founding artist of the group and it is through his archives that we are transported to the 1980s in New York City where the fashion was loud, colorful, and filled with cartoon imagery. But not just any cartoon imagery for the cartoons where urbanized. Mickey Mouse with a Fila suit, Casper the Friendly Ghost w

This true story and retrospective documents the life and times of members of The Destiny Children (TDC) graffiti crew from 1985 to 2000. From Long Island, New York, The Destiny Children/Unlimited Styled Artists commemorate the 25-year history of the crew and their impact on the New York City subway graffiti era. This large collector's book is loaded with 500 color images of original art ranging from burners on hand ball courts to pieces on tractor trailers to works throughout the New York City subway system. Works by many established NYC graffiti artists are featured, including founding members DC3 and SHO. Other original members featured are ZOO, SHOROZ, BEAVER, LAE, LAC2, ROE, DOOJ, SHIM, and ONE2. Works by affiliated writers, ZEUS TDC, CEOS, ROZ One, SHARE 37, POKE IBM, EPIC, RECK, SKETCH, KARL TCM, DEON, BOM 5 MW, SACE RIP, MIRAGE RIP, and others are documented. Alongside the visual accounts of these artistic exploits are dozens of true stories and recollections that uncover the reality of painting in yards, lay ups, racking spray paint, fights, graffiti beefs, and police raids. See what made TDC take extraordinary risks so their street art could be seen by the public in their never-ending quest for fame. An ideal history for artists, art historians, street art enthusiasts, anthropologists, and urban dwellers.