Brighton Graffiti
By Stuart Bagshaw and David Oates
Paperback, 144 pages, Prestel, $29.95
For more than two decades, Brighton, England’s graffiti scene has thrived.
At first, the art form was banned, confining it to the walls of deserted buildings and train tracks. Over time, the city council embraced this underground expression, sponsoring murals and offering free youth classes on graffiti techniques. Now, Brighton is considered a Mecca for graffiti artists.
In Brighton Graffiti, Bagshaw and Oates have compiled photographs that document the evolution of the movement. These photos depict a variety of graffiti styles and artists. Additionally, quotes from Brighton artists are included on many of the pages, giving the images perspective and insight.
Preston has published several urban-art books, most recently Paris Street Art by Romuald Stivine and Vito Del Forte and Berlin Street Art 2 by Sven Zimmerman. These books showcase the most innovative street art in both cities — from a heart-shaped Parisian stoplight to an astronaut stencil adorning a Berlin apartment building.
The first image in Berlin Street Art 2 states, “Clean is boring.” The art dirtying up the city walls in these books gives substance to this argument.
– Katelyn Bogucki