Description
Book Synopsis: "We could have been called a lot of things: brazen vandals, scared kids, threats to social order, self-obsessed egomaniacs, marginalized youth, outsider artists, trend setters, and thrill seekers. But, to me, we were just regular kids growing up hard in America and making the city our own. Being 'writers' gave us something to live for and 'going all city' gave us something to strive for; and for some of my friends it was something to die for."
In the age of Banksy, trendy street art, and commissioned wall murals, it's easy to forget graffiti's complicated and often violent past in the United States. Though graffiti has become one of the most influential art forms of the twenty-first century, cities across the United States waged a war against it from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, complete with brutal police task forces. Who were the much-maligned taggers they targeted? Teenagers, usually, from low-income neighborhoods with little to their names except a few spray cans and a desperate need to be seen--to mark their presence on city walls and buildings even as their cities turned a blind eye to them.
Going All City is the mesmerizing and painful story of these young graffiti writers, told by one of their own. Prolific LA writer Stefano Bloch came of age in the late 1990s amid constant violence, poverty, and vulnerability. He recounts vicious interactions with police; debating whether to take injured friends with gunshot wounds to the hospital; coping with his mother's heroin addiction; instability and homelessness; and his dread that his stepfather would get out of jail and tip his unstable life into full-blown chaos. But he also recalls moments of peace and exhilaration: marking a fresh tag; the thrill of running with his crew at night; exploring the secret landscape of LA; the dream and success of going all city.
Bloch holds nothing back in this fierce, poignant memoir. Going All City is an unflinching portrait of a deeply maligned subculture and an unforgettable account of what writing on city walls means to the most vulnerable people living within them.
Details
Dive into the raw and captivating world of LA's graffiti subculture with the gripping memoir "Going All City." Experience the adrenaline-fueled tales of young graffiti writers as they navigate through violence, poverty, and the relentless pursuit of self-expression. Explore the transformative power of street art and the resilience of individuals who refuse to be silenced by society's constraints. Get your hands on this mesmerizing account that sheds light on the untold stories of those who dared to leave their mark on the city walls.
Uncover the hidden truths behind the vibrant graffiti scene in the United States with "Going All City." Join Stefano Bloch on a heart-wrenching journey through the tumultuous streets of LA as he confronts danger, loss, and the constant struggle for identity and belonging. This poignant memoir offers a rare glimpse into the minds and hearts of graffiti artists who risk everything for the sake of their art and their legacy. Immerse yourself in the gripping narratives that shaped a generation and redefine the boundaries of urban expression.
Witness the resilience and tenacity of LA's graffiti writers in "Going All City," a powerful ode to the indomitable spirit of self-expression. Experience the thrill of midnight escapades, the camaraderie of a tight-knit crew, and the sheer determination to turn concrete jungles into vibrant canvases of defiance. Stefano Bloch's unflinching narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat as you journey through the highs and lows of an underground subculture that changed the face of modern art. Uncover the legacy of those who dared to defy convention and make their mark on the world.
Ready to embark on a journey of grit, passion, and rebellion? Experience the gripping world of LA's graffiti subculture in "Going All City." Don't miss out on this unforgettable memoir that challenges conventions, celebrates creativity, and honors the unsung heroes of the streets. Join us in redefining what it means to be a writer, an artist, and a fighter. Seize the opportunity to delve into a world where walls speak louder than words and where every tag tells a story waiting to be discovered. Find your copy here!
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