Image via Complex Original
Written by Amy Linden.
Graffiti might be one of the 5 elements of the culture, but there were scores of writers bombing, tagging and getting their Krylon on way before the true advent of hip-hop. The just published Classic Hits gives the real old school some love. Compiled by former graffiti artists Alan Fleisher and Paul Iovino Classic Hits features rarely seen photos and first hand accounts from pioneers like the late Iz the Wiz, Ale One, Blade, Snake 1, and infamous 70’s wunderkind Taki 183. Classic Hits is an essential addition to any graffiti geeks’ library.
Likewise these essential titles selected by Dave “Chino” Villorente, artist/historian and co-author of the Piece Book series and Mascots and Mugs, bring the world of graffiti to life and are essential titles in any good art library.
Check out Chino's 10 Must-Read Graffiti Books
Spray Can Art
Spray Can Art (1987)
Authors: Henry Chalfant and James Prijoff
The Basics: A thought and artfully presented tome on the impact of graffiti culture globally.
Chino says: Probably the first global documentation of graffiti.
The Terrible Nasty T-Kid
The Terrible Nasty T-Kid (2001)
Author: Julius Cavero
The Basics: An unfiltered memoir of an ex-gang member turned style mentor.
Chino says: For my generation T-Kid was probably everyone’s hero. Fascinating for any aspiring graffiti writer.
The Art of Getting Over
The Art Of Getting Over (1999)
Author: Steve Powers
The Basics: An unprecedented history lesson from graf great ESPO.
Chino says:
The Faith of Graffiti
The Faith Of Graffiti (1973)
Authors: Norman Mailer and Jon Naar
The Basics: Half polemic, half celebration from a literary legend.
Chino says: A bit word heavy but important since someone like Mailer took an interest in the culture.
Birth of Graffiti
The Birth Of Graffiti (2007)
Author: Sacha Jenkins [Forward] and Jon Naar
The Basics: An authoritative and beautifully produced book detailing the early years of graffiti writing.
Chino says: Kind of like Faith of Graffiti "light".
Graffiti Kings: New York City Mass Transit Art of the 1970’s
Graffiti Kings: New York City Mass Transit Art of the 1970s (2009)
Author: Jack Stewart
The Basics: The definitive academic examination of the subway graffiti movement.
Chino says: Based on a dissertation, it’s a very impressive book. Especially from an outsider.
Fuzz One
Fuzz One (2005)
Author: Vincent Fedorchak
The Basics: A raucous true-life Bronx tale capturing NYC’s upheaval in the form of a graffiti biography.
Chino says: An urban Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. There weren’t many who got up the way Fuzz did.
Dondi White: Style Master General
Dondi White: Style Master General (2001)
Authors: Andrew Witten and Michael White
The Basics: Featuring photos by Martha Cooper this book pays tribute to an artistic visionary.
Chino says: Very few artists have been as influential as (the late) Dondi. An amazing chronicle.
Getting Up
Getting Up (1984)
Author: Craig Castleman
The Basics: A concise, descriptive, and lushly executed gem detailing young (at the time) graffiti writers through a series of one-on-one interviews.
Chino says: Timeless stories giving a look into the early scene.
Subway Art
Subway Art (1988)
Authors: Martha Copper and Henry Chalfant
The Basics: Groundbreaking photographer Cooper’s photos make the case for graffiti as art.
Chino says: It’s called the bible of graffiti for good reason; helped the culture spread globally.
