Street artist Vos One's colorful wall.
Photo: Courtesy of Abrams, © Vox One
Whatever your opinion about it, graffi ti is a part of Southern California culture. Expand your knowledge of the medium with a copy of Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art (Harry N. Abrams), due out in May. Author Steve Grody reconstructs the history and prehistory of the tradition in the area, dating back to the 1930s. Accompanying the photos are interviews with writers and artists and a discussion of the various styles and techniques they use.
