Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence
Before artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey achieved widespread recognition, there existed pioneering graffiti artists who played a pivotal role in shaping the art form. They were responsible for incorporating iconic elements like crowns or arrows into their monikers, marking the beginning of an evolving style.
“Wall Writers: Graffiti in its Innocence” is a documentary film accompanied by a 350+ page book. Both the film and book were conceived and directed by Roger Gastman. The documentary is narrated by the legendary filmmaker John Waters, and the book’s foreword is penned by acclaimed artist Barry McGee.
Today, graffiti and street art are often likened to the rock ‘n’ roll of visual art, and “Wall Writers” recounts their emergence in Philadelphia and New York City from 1967 to 1973. This project offers an exclusive account of the genesis of the largest art movement of the 20th century. It has remained untold until now because no one previously had complete access to the original figures behind the movement who are featured in this film. Many of these artists have granted their first-ever on-camera interviews for this project. “Wall Writers” provides a unique glimpse into the origins of graffiti and street art, which continue to captivate the imaginations of young people worldwide.
The documentary delves into graffiti’s transition into mainstream society during a period of social upheaval in the late 1960s and early ’70s. It not only examines the role of early graffiti on the walls but also its significance within the cultural context of the time. The film offers unprecedented access to and exclusive interviews with graffiti’s pioneers, including CORNBREAD, TAKI 183, LSD OM, and over two dozen others. Additionally, it features testimonies from journalists, historians, and politicians who witnessed the graffiti revolution on the walls.
“Wall Writers” is more comprehensive than any previous work on the subject. It explores not only the art of early graffiti but also the individuals behind it and the cultural forces that drove them to create, whether it was a desire to rebel against the government, convey a message, or simply gain recognition in society. The documentary’s exclusive interviews are complemented by rare photographs and archival footage, much of which has never been seen on screen before. These materials serve as historical reference points and evidence of early graffiti that has long since been erased.
From its modest beginnings in 1967 to the first graffiti paintings being sold in 1973, “Wall Writers” provides insights into the context of the movement’s inception. This movement would go on to transform urban life, public transportation, public art, and ultimately, the world of visual art itself.
