Published in 1996 (first published 1984)
104 pages
Martha Cooper is an American photojournalist. She worked as a staff photographer for the New York Post during the 1970s. She is best known for documenting the New York City graffiti scene of the 1970s and 1980s. In 1984, Cooper and Henry Chalfant published their photographs of New York City graffiti in the book Subway Art, which has been called the graffiti bible and by 2009 had sold half a million copies. In 2019 she was the subject of a documentary feature Martha: A Picture Story.
Henry Chalfant is a photographer and videographer most notable for his work on graffiti, breakdance, and hip-hop culture.
What is this book about?
Two gifted photographers have documented every aspect of this extraordinary urban subculture, complete with 239 full-color photographs.
“In 1984, Subway Art presented stunning photos of the burgeoning street art movement and the artists who created it. More than 30 years later, this reissue includes over 70 photographs not featured in the original edition and new introductions by both photographers.” ― Library Journal
“Time has not diminished the book’s beauty. The chance to view so many classic pieces at an increased size is almost as exciting as the inclusion of more than 70 previously unpublished photographs. The bible of the New York graffiti movement.” ― The Washington Post
