Identity elements
Name and location of repository
Level of description
File
Title
Box 9: Miami Graffiti Photograph Album
Date(s)
- 1990-2000 (Creation)
Extent
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
"An archive of 172 photographs documenting the graffiti scene in Miami between 1990 and 2000. The photographs highlight both legal and illegal pieces in a variety of locations throughout Miami-Dade County, with a few taken in Ft. Lauderdale. The vast majority of the non-commissioned pieces were done in abondoned buildings know as 'penits' - a term adopted by graffiti artists in the city referring to any abondoned or condemned building or area where a high concentration of illegal graffiti activity took place. Most of the areas shown in the photos no longer exist, the majority of them torn down and turned into housing developments. With very few exceptions, all photographs feature work done by Miami artists and graffiti crews. While a small graffiti scene existed in Miami during the late 1980s, it was mostly propelled by a small contingent of dedicated writers and crews. The scene really hit its stride between 1990-2000, a period during which illegal activity spread throughout the city quite rapidly. Each photograph has the name of the writer, crew affiliation, and location of the piece (when known) written on the verso in Sharpie. All photos taken with either disposable cameras or shot with a Nikon and 35mm film." -- Descriptions from Captain Ahab's Rare Books, bookseller.