The Faith of Graffiti

‘The trace is appearance of a nearness, however far removed the thing that left it behind may be’ Walter Benjamin

"The name", says Cay, retired graffiti artist, “is the faith of graffiti."

Photographs of the work of those who write their names (Comet, Apple, Bug 170, Blade 131, Frog 152, Lisa, Li’L Flame, Lurk, Sissy, The Turtle, Witch 187, Tidy, Uptight 1, etc.) on the available surfaces of New York City.

At night they break into the depots at the ends of the city and paint their words (using ‘invented’ paint) on the sleek metal of the subway cars (one boy describes them sleeping there like silver whales). They speak of the joy of seeing your name coming rushing towards you in a subway station. They stay there all day watching car after car bearing their name.

Norman Mailer’s essay, commissioned to accompany Jon Naar’s photographs for publication in New York City amidst rising oppression towards graffiti artists from state authorities (as well as your trace facing constant erasure, you could be beaten or imprisoned) seeks to validate graffiti as an art form and characterise it as a vital act of transgression against societal norms.

Large format softcover, first edition, rare first printing. Acceptable condition - creasing to the spine and slightly dogeared corners. 1974.