With a million and one stories to tell from my recent return to New York I get things started with some special insight into Faith and Graffiti. Originally hailing from back in 1973 the book depicted the birth of New York graffiti and people expressing themselves through paint on walls. Depicted through the words of Norman Mailer and the awe inspiring photographs of Jon Naar this slice of urban reference now takes on a new form with additional photos and project reflection from Jon himself. I had the pleasure of meeting Jon as he was joined by Wooster Collectives Marc & Sara Schiller along with some artists captured in the original book.
I remember hanging on Jon’s every word as he presented some of the photographs from the book. Incredibly well spoken, witty, and inspiring, he shared with us what it was like capturing this exciting time in New York. Shooting one hundred rolls of film in ten days he described how he wanted to capture this “visual language of radical change” and what he believed was “positive anarchy”.
Shared by the thoughts of Marc Schiller it was more than just vandalism instead an expression “I am here, I am alive” something that has true universal relevance and found in cities all over the world.
I found fascinating this innate sense to make ones mark, one that we all have experienced, be it on the classroom desk or public toilet wall. He spoke of the inner appeal and intrigue behind the “writings on the wall”. This is where it all began before more conventional methods of expression were available.
The book now sits amongst many it may have inspired.
More info here
