ZEPHYR: GRAFFITI BLACKBOOK/SCRAPBOOK 1978 AND BEYOND By ZEPHYR
BEYOND THE STREETS PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES: ZEPHYR: GRAFFITI BLACKBOOK/SCRAPBOOK 1978 AND BEYOND By ZEPHYR
New York City, 1970s: The city pulsed with a raw, electric energy that was mirrored in the vibrant graffiti that graced its subway trains and urban landscapes. Amidst this explosion of color and creativity, one name emerged with an undeniable impact: ZEPHYR. Born Andrew Witten, ZEPHYR became a legendary figure of this gritty, rebellious art form. He snuck into subway yards at night and painted on the subway cars, knowing they would transport his work around the city.
ZEPHYR began his graffiti journey in 1977. The following year he began developing a sketch book, a veritable time capsule of the culture at the time. BEYOND THE STREETS has presented the book here—an exact reproduction—complete with page by page commentary by ZEPHYR. Over the years, this book evolved into a vibrant history of graffiti culture, enriched by contributions from renowned figures like MACKIE, DAZE, BIL-ROCK, REVOLT, FREEDOM & FUTURA. It also contains a rich collection of news clippings, ticket stubs, MTA items, flyers, old snapshot photos, doodles, and various other artifacts that highlight his fervor for graffiti.
This visual collection vividly shows life in New York City from the late 70s to the early 80s, with a hint of the 90s, as experienced by one of the pioneers of the graffiti movement. It stands as both a historical document and a tribute to the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the time, offering a comprehensive look at the creative explosion that defined an era.
Weighing 7 pounds and showcasing 243 full-color pages, ZEPHYR: Graffiti Blackbook/Scrapbook 1978 and Beyond offers an extraordinary collection. Published by BEYOND THE STREETS Publishing, this special hardcover edition preserves a meticulously selected archive of ZEPHYR’s work.
As ZEPHYR revisits his graffiti blackbook, he reflects on his journey with both nostalgia and insight. What was once a dynamic record of street art has become a deeply personal narrative, capturing his early work and the vibrant culture of late 70s and 80s New York City. This collection is a testament to his passion and dedication, encapsulating an era that profoundly shaped his career and artistic journey.
ZEPHYR notes:
"This book is very personal to me, and sharing it publicly is a little unnerving. Whether this document from the good old days resonates with younger people who didn't live through those times remains to be seen. That said, I 'm hopeful that there is content here — historical and/or sentimental —that will appeal to folks of any age".
ZEPHYR: GRAFFITI BLACKBOOK/SCRAPBOOK 1978 AND BEYOND By ZEPHYR is now available exclusively through our online store.
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About the Author: ZEPHYR, a central figure in the 70s and 80s graffiti scene, left his mark on New York City’s subway trains and became an iconic presence in films like Wild Style and Style Wars. Known as "the elder statesman of graffiti" by the New York Times, ZEPHYR, who adopted his moniker in 1977, has also been a key player in the East Village gallery boom of the 80s, exhibiting alongside such luminaries as FUTURA 2000, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He is also the author of Stylemaster General, a biography of DONDI White.