Stuart Bagshaw & David Oates
In the 1980s, when graffiti first hit these shores in a big way, it wasn’t just the sprawling metropolis of the country’s capital that embraced the colourful new culture with open arms. Brighton also caught the bug and since then the South Coast town has been a haven for writers.
The introduction of Brighton Graffiti finishes with the sad statement that Brighton council is continuing its crackdown on the art in the city with the closure of famous local spots like The Moon and Tarner Park, which brought artists to the seashore from all over the world.
However, this book provides a colourful and very powerful example of just how impressive the writing is in Brighton, with page after page of pieces, ordered chronologically, from the early days of Req and Mere in the 80s to Petro in the 90s, right up to modern day colourbursts by Odisy and Mush, showcasing the very best of the art that has hit the nooks and crannies of the town.
If the council down on the South Coast think they are totally closing down illegal art, they really need to think again. The history has been brilliant documented in the book, which is littered with quotes from local artists and proves that graffiti in Brighton is alive and kicked and will continue to give the seaside a splash of vibrancy for a good while yet.
Make sure you pick up this book if you want to view how smaller towns are able to hold their own against cities such as New York, London and Stockholm.
Abjekt.