If you were a graffiti writer in 1980s New York City, you wanted Martha Cooper to document your work-and she probably did. Cooper has spent decades immortalizing art that is often overlooked, and usually illegal. Her first book, 1984's Subway Art (a collaboration with Henry Chalfant), is affectionately referred to by graffiti artists as the "bible". To create Spray Nation, Cooper and editor Roger Gastman pored through hundreds of thousands of 35mm Kodachrome slides, painstakingly selecting and digitizing them. The photos range from obscure tags to portraits, action shots, walls, and painted subway cars. They are accompanied by heartfelt essays celebrating Cooper's drive, spirit, and singular vision. The images capture a gritty New York era that is gone forever. And although the original pieces (as well as many of their creators) have been lost, these powerful photos feel as immediate as a subway train thundering down the tracks.

About the Author
MARTHA COOPER has been a professional photographer for over 50 years. In addition to Subway Art, she has published numerous other photo books. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. ROGER GASTMAN is a collector, as well as the curator and founder of BEYOND THE STREETS, an organization that creates large-scale exhibitions of street art. He is also an accomplished filmmaker and has authored well over 60 books on the subjects of graffiti and street art.


Book Information
ISBN 9783791388748
Author Martha Cooper
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Prestel
Publisher Prestel
Weight(grams) 1616g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 305mm * 26mm