Style: Writing from the Underground

Description

Title: Style: Writing from the underground
Subtitle: (R)evolutions of Aerosol Lingutstics
Editing: Schmdlapp and Phase 2
Managing Editor: Adolfo Rossomando
Italian Traslation: Francesco (Shadrack) Magnocavallo
Graphic Layout: Phase Two, Sid
Photo Editing: Aelle Prod – Claudio (Sid) Brignole
Printed in Italy
Language: English/ Italian
Pages: 120
180 Color pictures
150 B/W illustrations
Paperback
Size: 8.4 x 0.5 x 9.8 inches (21,3 x 1,3 x 25 cm)
Published: 1996
Publisher: Stampa Alternativa in Association with IGTimes

“First of its kind. A different look at the technical aspects of Writing, its primary causes, the various effects, and after effects. In forcing on its beginnings in NYC, the book examines the blueprint and links that has provided the extensive traditional chain upheld and regarded as “STYLE”. A history and analysis from those who have lived and made this movement what it is today. The book’s photo documentation spans three decades (70’s, 80’s, 90’s) and consists of rare gems, mostly by writers themselves. Together they reveal a living archive that makes for an unprecedented incredible pictorial of the writers’ as well as the culture’s growth.”

No other book explains the evolution or thinking processes behind the graffiti art form the way “Style: Writing From the Underground” does.

This book was published in 1996 by Stampa Alternativa Italy in association with IGTimes NYC and co-created by the legendary PHASE2. What make this book so special (compared to the countless other book out there) is that this book reflects on the History of Writing dating back to the late 1960’s and documents the timeline of the evolution of style.

This book makes it very clear that the most important element of graffiti art is Style. Many writers are quoted extensively, giving their own take on what they believe style is all about. Here’s an example: “Style has always been each writers finger print. Some writers have styles that are so complex that they are ‘irreadable”, but at this point it doesn’t matter what the name is because the style of the piece links you to it’s creator” – DAZE

Throughout the book, Phase 2, the author, interjects his own ideas and philosophies on graffiti, style, writers and writing. His comments are very thought-provoking and elevate the discussion intellectually in a way we haven’t seen in any other book. If you really want to understand this art form from the inside out, you have to read and re-read this book.

Interviews and photos: PHASE TWO, SPON, SKI 168, COCO144, LEE 163d, THE II CRUSHER, DUKE, VULCAN, ME 2, LTD I, DOME, DERO, SAK, DEZ, DAZE, etc.