From Publishers Weekly
Denied the usual outlets for making a name for themselves, young men from urban communities turned in the 1960s and early '70s to large-scale graffiti projects on subway cars technically called "writing" to make their mark. "When you're poor, that's all you've got," claims Iz the Wiz, one of the graffiti artists presented by Austin, a Bowling Green University professor of popular culture. This provocative examination of urban graffiti culture's heyday suggests that "writing could have been promoted as a homegrown public art movement," but instead it was relegated, by authorities and much of the media, as vandalism. Arguing that "writing" functions as a "prestige economy," making the writer famous outside of his neighborhood, Austin examines in depth both its artistic and social meanings. From the function of networking between neighborhoods to the social difference between the Great Tradition style and the later invention of Throw Ups, Austin fills his broad canvas with such diverse issues as the history of juvenile delinquency in Manhattan; Robert Moses's legacy of urban development; how and why the New York Times changed its editorial position on graffiti; and the eventual relation of "writing" to zine and video culture. Austin's precise, witty and genial style perfectly meshes with his rigorous research and analysis. He makes the differences between emerging "bombers" and "piecers," or the social hierarchy that relegates "toy taggers" to the bottom rungs, seem vital and rife with cultural import. The Metropolitan Transit Authority's "retaking" of the trains in the mid-'80s is thus viewed as a mixed blessing at best. (Mar.) Forecast: This exemplary study makes important contributions to understanding contemporary art, urban sociology and the culture wars, yet reads like a trade book. Heightened New York interest should broaden its appeal; look for success from New York or art-based display tables.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In this scholarly volume Austin, an assistant professor of popular culture at Bowling Green State University and coeditor of Generations of Youth, analyzes the social world of "writers" who spray-paint their names and other stylized markings on New York's public spaces. Austin adopts the perspective of those outside the power structure, using the graffiti artists' own writings, media accounts of the issue, and interviews to explore this topic. In this perspective, the graffiti writers' activities contribute not only to their own identity but also to the shared experience of city life. The writers collaborate to develop their art form and build their "fame" among other scribes. Their activities are in opposition to political and legal authorities who seek to protect private property and restrict freedom of expression. Although solidly academic, this book is enlivened by its fascinating topic. Recommended for academic collections emphasizing popular culture and urban anthropology. Paula R. Dempsey, DePaul Univ. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
