Graffiti Saved My Life

CUBA (Clarence Robbs), artist

born 1966

Scott Williams, artist

born 1956

Graffiti Saved My Life, 2012

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: stenciling; airbrushing

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 28.2 x 43.8 cm open
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 11 1/8 x 17 1/4 in
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 28.2 x 21.9 x 1.2 cm closed
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 11 1/8 x 8 5/8 x 0 1/2 in

Credit line: Museum purchase: Peter T. Bohan Art Acquisition Fund

Accession number: 2012.0181

Not on display

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Spray painted or drawn onto public walls and other surfaces, graffiti is a powerful way to spread words, art styles, and local memories. The distinct graffiti styles of Scott Williams and CUBA (Clarence Robbs) are recognized on walls throughout the world. While Williams is known for his stenciling and graphic novels, CUBA is one of the founders of the popular lettering called “Wild-style.” As a collaborative team, these artists converted their large-scale murals into a book. Through airbrushing and stenciling, their text conveys many of the struggles of urban life and culture. Symbols of American identity can be found throughout this book, including peace signs, weapons, and the Statue of Liberty.