Philly graffiti photos? - Page 2 - PhillyBlog

CHiPs · #11 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 11:21 AM

Bobby Beck. Was he the guy who wrote "God Loves You - Bobby Beck"?? I'm not from here, but somebody mentioned that to me. Does anybody remember more about him or what and where he wrote. Does anybody have pictures!!!?

I've spoken to Golden. She's a great resource. I've also been to rare Breed. I'm not awar of any PBS special except for the original "Style Wars" from 1983 (just got the DVD - amazing).

Jon Naar, who did the photos for Faith of Graffiti, has a new book that expands on the pictures he took for Faith. It's called "The Birth of Graffiti" and it is amazing. Even if you don't like graffiti, the pictures of life in NYC in 1972-73 are wonderful.

To a certain extent, I'm also documenting the sticker scene, too. Some graffiti artists use it. Others look down on it. The tension is interesting.

I don't want to turn this thread into a debate about graffiti, but to put it in some perspective, check out that Wooster site. There are links to street art around the world, including Iranian graffiti. Would the critics here of graffiti also side with the authorities in Tehran to decry the awful, illegal wall writing there? Or would you be cheering on the vandals because they are defying a government you might not like.

Here's an example. You decide:

http://www.kolahstudio.com/a1one/alb...p?showimage=43

see in upper right..."power to graff"

Malloy · #12 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 11:33 AM

'Graff' is cool...until it covers your property. It seems like 99% of the 'graff' is utter crap...amking even the most run down and abandoned buildings look even worse.

From Philly · #13 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malloy

'Graff' is cool...until it covers your property. It seems like 99% of the 'graff' is utter crap...amking even the most run down and abandoned buildings look even worse.

I am glad to see that graffiti has been replaced by many of the magnificent murals that line our neighborhoods.

sputnik · #14 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 01:32 PM

Temple University Press DID publish a book on Philadelphia graffiti of the 60's and 70's a few years back, I have a copy. I can't find the information online, but a couple of calls to Temple U should get you on the right track.

CHiPs · #15 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 01:37 PM

Are you referring to this book:

http://smyrskicreative.com/wallwriting/

I have a copy. But if you are talking about another publication, I'd love to get a copy. Thanks.

back in black · #16 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 02:03 PM

MissNina · #17 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by From Philly

I realize that graffiti is part of our "culture", and much has been analyzed concerning it, but please don't call it anything more then it really was, and that is the defacing of public and private property and making most of Philly look like terrible.

If youve ever taken Amtrak out/in from Philly, then you would notice some really nice work on the abandones trains along the way..Sometimes, graffitti is the only art that some kids see.. There's a difference between taggers (who just wanna put their name out there) and graf artists who seem to be more into the aesthetic aspect/meaning behind the art. I think it's just common courtesy to NOT draw on occupied properties such as houses, apt bldgs, etc. As a designer, I get a lot of inspiration from graf art.
My fav region to reference is Brasil.. this book is really cool:
http://www.amazon.com/Graffiti-Brasi.../dp/0500285748

Malloy · #18 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 02:14 PM

bad 'graf'

(the corn mural is pretty cool though!)

lbphilly · #19 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malloy

'Graff' is cool...until it covers your property. It seems like 99% of the 'graff' is utter crap...amking even the most run down and abandoned buildings look even worse.

Not to mention boxcars:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lblanchard/213211688/

Snapped at Schuylkill Banks last August.

lbphilly · #20 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old old city

Sounds like a fun project. I have plenty of photographer friends and I'll see if they have anything.

The godfathers of graffiti in Philadelphia are Corn Bread and (K)Cool Earl.

http://www.subwayoutlaws.com/History/History.htm

I remember when their stuff started showing up all over the place. My father was sure the city had gone to hell in a handbasket, and congratulated himself on getting out.