Books & Lit
The ultimate guide to Toronto graffiti
I was originally going to title this post "the authoritative guide to Toronto graffiti," but shortly after writing this out, I realized that such a label would disregard the degree the book in question works to destabilize concepts of authorship and ownership. Truth be told, even the word "ultimate" -- which gestures to both finality and closure -- belies the editor's intention to put together future versions of Toronto Graffiti. Nevertheless, I feel it necessary to somehow mark both the scope and seriousness of this effort to document the graffiti scene in our city.
Clocking in at just under 500 pages, Toronto Graffiti offers in depth profiles and interviews of over 20 artists, a series of critical and contextual articles, loads of photos, and a section on legal issues (amongst other things). A true collaboration, what sets this book apart from other ones I've read on the subject is not only its Toronto focus, but the effort that's been made to approach graffiti from wide array of perspectives. Not only do the featured artists -- who include Ren, Media, Elicsir, Bomba, Hope, ARTCHILD and Sec (full list here) -- conceive of their craft in very different ways, but there's also plenty of insight that derives from those who don't partake in the act of spray painting walls.
If this was New York, a collection like this would likely have attracted the interest of a decent-sized publisher, but being primarily about Toronto -- where the scene is admittedly way smaller and interest in such matters is more reserved -- editor Yvette Farkas solicited the contributions of a number of sponsors to help get the book in print. Despite the small print-run, however, the production quality is top-notch, with superb photography and colour reproductions of the artists' work.
But, needless to say, it ain't cheap. At $68, I'd imagine that only a scant portion of population -- graffiti enthusiasts or not -- will want to fork over that much coin. Perhaps in recognition of this fact, the authors have made almost the entire book available online. And while it may not be quite as pretty on a computer screen, the PDF files still offer a decent reading experience.
Along with the photos, the best part of this book for me is the interviews with the artists. Too often the assumption is made that graffiti writers are merely unrepentant teenagers with too much free time or some axe to grind. On the contrary, the artists featured here are just that. And not because many of them have broken into the commercial gallery scene, but because they've spent years honing their craft and putting together a body of work (not all of which remains) that speaks to each of their styles.
That won't, of course, convince some people that these aren't just vandals with little respect for other people's property -- an observation that deserves to be taken seriously -- but I wonder if those who hold this view wouldn't be the most interested in hearing what the graffiti artists themselves have to say about this. Sure, it's not the main focus here, but it certainly comes up throughout the profiles and interviews, and hearing the thoughts of some of Toronto's most prolific artists would be a nice prerequisite to knock off before passing judgment on what it is that they do.
The launch for Toronto Graffiti takes place Friday, January 28th at the Mascot, where one can also find copies of the book for sale.
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When I first moved to Queen West the alleys between Spadina and Bathurst had a variety of amazing examples of artistic vision. I used to walk the alley as if it were a gallery and take it all in. In fact, I would say it was my gallery of choice.
Then a few street graffiti fest days were held, and the incredible works of art were covered up by a series of tags, which all pretty much have the same look and style all in a row. Sometimes these guys will just come along and scribble ("tag") over something beautiful that someone with talent has done. So what is all that about?
But, hey, maybe one day you'll come up with a worthy piece of advice, so here's to you for trying.
that page of REN stickers is amazing. On the other hand, why take such a bad sketch for Kane? Was that one labeled 'Kane, Age 7' because it's like showing a top bands first ever demo tape without context.
anyway, it looks amazing. I'll have to buy a copy to see if I'm in there anywhere (which I doubt)
this book looks beautiful.
I'm simply floored - Like totally blown away at how incredibly awesome this book is. I've only flipped though the book so far (it's freakin' huge) and I'm actually scared about getting in deeper - this thing is going to obsess me and eat of all my time and thoughts for the next month.
I really hope this book appeals to a wide audience, and not just those of us who spent a good chunk of their early years wandering back alleys, train corridors and under bridges.
If u like street art, I have a FB "group" where people are encouraged to post images of art they find around the city. There are about 600 photos from all over - check it, join & post your pix if u like!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17620634650&;ref=ts
once you understand the aesthetics of handstyles, there's a lot to see in a simple tag.
All I see in tags is stupid trash who have no value for other's property. At least with nice graffiti, it has some redeeming value (although it is still vandalism).
haha, no I'm well aware that sketch is from way, way , wayback in his career. I guess my point was more that - With all the amazing works in the book to show (including modern Kane pieces), why pick such an old sketch for a 'beauty shot'.
ps. I do know what I'm talking about, I just worded it funny. Hell, I even made the book! Cheers
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