Customer Reviews

Miami Graffiti

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, I've had the book for a better part of a week now... So, I'll get to the important things first. This book is chock full of amazing, jaw-droppingly good graffiti, and as a vehicle, it firmly and arguably establishes Miami as one of the best cities on the planet in terms of graffiti talent. James & Karla Murray take fantastic photos. I've given the book 4 Stars based on these facts alone.

Now for the critique. The book is extremely light (borderline non-existent) on Miami's "rich" graffiti art history, which "is" alluded to in the book's intro. It touches on some photos from the early-mid 90's, but I'd venture to say that 90% of the content is from the last 3-4 years. Though James & Karla Murray are more than well-qualified with other top-quality graffiti books under their belt, and I'm sure this book couldn't have come to fruition without the participation of some integral figures in the Miami graffiti scene, it's a shame it couldn't have been put together by some "home-towners," who've been down since the graff scene took off in South Florida, some quarter century ago.

The work displayed by some of Miami's finest crews, notably, TCP (personal favorites),TE, WBB, FDC, MSG, TSC, DME, BSK, IHS, AIM etc... is as varied, colored, technical and clean as it gets, anywhere. I just think with a bit more context and interviews with some of the old-school heads, it could have made more of an impact in the lexicon of graffiti books. Instead it just comes off as another, albeit stunning, array of photos, making its sole connection to Miami by means of alluding to the color palette of choice (brights, pastels)of its participants and the hot climate those colors are reflective of.

I'm completely aware that things like publishers (with so many much cooler photos I would hope they chose the cover) and other extenuating circumstances coming into play, so perhaps with a bunch of heavy copy and old photos, sure, maybe the book would have been less compelling. I get it. But having just some flicks of the old penits and Miami's storied b-boy culture, again, just could have given it a notch more contextual flair. I know for fact certain those flicks are out there, see MiamiGraffiti.com

However, with hearty contributions from insanely-gifted artists like: Theme, Atomik, Ticoe, Cure, Elex, Crome, Cebz, Enok, Typoe and a slew of others, 'Miami Graffiti' will serve as a cultural artifact and perhaps carry the torch of Miami's oft-overlooked contributions to the graffiti art world, for posterity's sake.

All in all, I highly recommend purchasing this book, and can almost guarantee, that it will be striking coffee table fodder and "read until your feet go numb," commode literature. Really, personal critique aside, hearty applause and kudos to James & Karla Murray and of course all the mad-talented artists involved.

I found this book to be a great presentation of the current Miami Graffiti Scene. All the currently major players are represented: Crome MSG, Dexos, DAM crew, Theme, Siner, TCP crew, TSC crew, FDC crew, Kuart and others.

The Miami weather and habitat really show through in the work. From the beauty of the water front Marina Penit, to the Opa Locka abandoned water treatment facility (where you can actually see the homeless woman who lives there sleeping if you look close), James and Karla really show the heat, humidity and beautiful environment in which Miami Graffiti is done.

For example, the Dexos ([...]) rendition of Jimmy Hendrix Smoking in the Opa Locka facility has plenty of surrounding area so you see that the location for the work is lush and green, worn down and grimy; the true combination of what makes Miami great and its art voice unique. Miami is about more than just your run of the mill letters style graffiti and it can be seen in this book.

The book itself is high quality and sturdy. It truly feels like a fine art book that you can leave on your coffee table along side Picasso, Van Gough, etc.

As you can tell, I really enjoy this book and highly recommend it. James and Karla do a great job once again.

I purchased this book for my son as he is one of the first graffiti artist in Miami He loved the book and was very happy to see his name mentioned'

My son likes the book, it was a gift.

Not too happy that the post man bent it in 1/2 to fit it in the box.

Would have been nice if the package would have stated not to bend or fold.

The crease did effect the pictures:(

Great book about Miami graff, from old school writers to newer school writers, great insight from many writers, props for my old friend "all mighty Chillski" for making it in here! Alot of pieces I had never seen before...great way to rep Miami! 305!

I am stoked to support this book and attend these events!

MIAMI GRAFFITI: The Events

MAY 6th

131 PROJECTS presents MIAMI GRAFFITI: The Book - Official Release Party Wednesday May 6th 9PM - Late at BUCK15 707 Lincoln Lane Miami Beach Live Performances by A1phaNum3ric5, PARABLE MC, JUNC OPS, SHREDDED BEATS, MIND KONTROL, SERUM, CHILLSKI, SALAMI FINGAZ, JUNIOR: The Rumba King Break Dancing by GROUND ZERO,HEART BREAKERZ and RAW MEAT CREW

MAY 7th

Books & Books 927 Lincoln Road South Beach Miami May 7th 8PM Miami Graffiti Book Signing. Art on display by CROME,FREEK,SINER,TYPOE and J&K.

MAY 9th

TRUE ELEMENTS presents MIAMI GRAFFITI BOOK Release Jam Crews painting live, breakers, djs. 310 NW 24th Street Wynwood Miami Saturday May 9th 11 AM to 8PM