Graffiti artist Eric Felisbret releases book: Graffiti in New York

Graffiti art has been a significant piece of culture in New York. From streets to subways, the work is a key part in the art world. New York is the mecca for the graffiti culture and birthed some of the best graffiti artists. The art form evolved and the history continues be adored and documented. Former graffiti artist Eric Felisbret took his passion for the culture and applied that to literature. 

Former graffiti artist Eric "DEAL CIA" Felisbret spent over 30 years documenting New York City graffiti. Felisbret began his tagging career in the mid 1970s. "I grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and first got hip to writing in mid 1972," said Felisbret in an article by Jake Dobkin on Gothamist.com. He started tagging the streets of Lower Manhattan in 1975 and made his way to tagging subways the next year. 

After a decade of tagging, Felisbret ended his career as a graffiti artist. "...I didn't find writing as exciting, at least doing it myself. I guess it was because I was a bit more of a fan than a writer." Despite retiring from writing he remained attached to the culture of graffiti. His enjoyment for other peoples writing turned into a passion for documenting graffiti where he began photographing graffiti on the streets of New York.

Felisbret has documented graffiti art and culture for 30 years now. "There are many times I thought the movement would die. Especially with so many instances of mainstream acceptance -art galleries, ad agencies, clothing lines and such. I thought overexposure would exhaust its freshness and street cred, yet it survives. It is a unique and original art form with universal appeal," said Felisbret on Gothamist.com.

Felisbret recently released a book Graffiti in New York, along with contribution from Luke "SPAR ONE" Felisbret and James Prigoff. Luke Felisbret is a graffiti artist and historian while Prigoff is a Sacramento, Calif. native and coauthor of the classic "Spraycan Art."

Eric and Luke Felisbret also launched their Web site at149st.com, which showcases the culture and history of graffiti.  In 1998 the Felisbrets "collaborated to found @149st New York City Cyber Bench, the first Web site dedicated exclusively to the history of New York City subway graffiti," according to at149st.com.

The ability to compose a book documenting the history and present nature of graffiti in New York is a challenging job. However, that challenge was fulfilled with Graffiti in New York.  The Felisbrets grew up in Lower Manhattan and saw the art form build from earlier stages.

Their insight and writing gave them a larger advantage to compile a book about the culture and art in New York. The book showcases the many decades of graffiti, the early stages and how the art form has evolved. The photography and artist's words explain why New York is the mecca of the graffiti culture. 

There are numerous books on graffiti but hardy any of the authors have first hand experience and insight like the Felisbrets. "The book features approximately 1,000 images, complemented by texts by the authors and relevant players in the movement, as well as descriptive graphics and sidebars. Ranging from the birth of simple signature tags to today's vibrant murals, and covering the ups and downs of the movement, the culture's value system, its social framework, the various forms of graffiti, and significant artists and crews.  

"Readers will depart with a greater appreciation and understanding of the culture and will be able to observe graffiti with an informed eye," according to at149st.com.
Graffiti in New York is can be purchased in bookstores or online at Amazon.com.