Klappentext Long before graffiti was adopted as the visual expression of hip-hop culture in the 1980s, Chicano gang members in East Los Angeles had been developing stylized calligraphy and writing them on walls since as early as the 1940s. Today, Los Angeles street artists of diverse backgrounds draw from a unique confluence of cultures (pan-Asian, pan-Latino, African-American, European, Jewish) that has led to regionally distinctive styles, which are now studied by graffiti writers worldwide, with many writers taking up residence in the city to be a part of this thriving art scene. Zusammenfassung Documents modern trends in graffiti and street art in Los Angeles, while also providing a history of the art form in the city. This work presents an examination of technique, an exploration of socio-cultural issues in crew dynamics, battles and apprenticeship and interviews with the most prominent artists round out the text.

Autorentext
Steve Grody earned his B.A. in fine arts at C.S.U.N. and worked as a 'pop' graphics artist in the 1970s. When he saw spray can murals popping up around Los Angeles' streets and walls, he immediately recognized their creativity and verve.

Zusammenfassung
Documents modern trends in graffiti and street art in Los Angeles, while also providing a history of the art form in the city. This work presents an examination of technique, an exploration of socio-cultural issues in crew dynamics, battles and apprenticeship and interviews with the most prominent artists round out the text.