Subway Art: Graffiti, Murals & More

Delve into the captivating world of subway art, where urban spaces transform into vibrant canvases. This archive explores the diverse spectrum of artistic expression found on and around subway systems globally. From the clandestine tags of graffiti writers to the meticulously planned murals of street artists, we uncover the stories behind the art and the artists. Discover the evolution of styles, the social commentary often embedded within the work, and the ongoing dialogue between artists, transit authorities, and the public. Explore our collection of articles, showcasing stunning photography and insightful analyses of this fascinating urban art form.

No Pants Subway Ride 2011

After 2009 and 2010 it’s time for another “No Pants Subway Ride”! Again, the New York based Improv Everywhere group calls for participation: As in years past, there are No Pants Subway Rides happening in cities around the world on January 9, the same day as our annual event in New York. If your town has a subway system or some form of mass transportation (bus? trolley?), then get involved and organize your own ride… ...

The Underbelly of New York

Yesterday, when I first read about that massive street art project, I was completely flashed. Some New York based guys - Workhorse and PAC - organized over years an astonishing and especially secret street art project in the underbelly of New York! More than 100 urban artists were brought to an abandoned and almost forgotten or unknown New York City subway station during the last months to paint and create without authorization one of the most spectacular street art locations worldwide! ...

Train Graffiti: Subway World

In 2009, a very interesting graffiti book called “Subway World” was published by Dokument Press, which somehow past my attention. Anyway, here is the article about that clean book about international train graffiti… Subway World is a book about graffiti on subway trains all over the world. What started in New York in the seventies has become an worldwide artform with thousands of artists. The tradition of using subway cars as canvases has been preserved and has become an integrated part of the graffiti movement. Subway World takes you through more than 70 cities and four different continents. (dokument.org) ...

London’s Abandoned Tube Stations

As you maybe know, I’m currently in London and still searching for great urban things I haven’t seen or visited yet, like that crazy underground skatepark close to London Bridge station. Today I found a nice hint on one of my favourite blogs Ektopia: Abandoned tube stations in London! There are apparently some interesting abandoned tube stations in the British capital. One of the least well-known or visited disused stations is St Mary’s in East London - Recently the BBC did a small tour inside the station! It looks rather old and less frequented by graffiti artists, what is really incomprehensibly for me… ...

Graffiti Documentary: Focusing Martha Cooper

The legendary “Subway Art” book by US-American graffiti photographer Martha Cooper, which was published in 1984, is a milestone in the medial writing documentation. “I’ve seen it grown from a specific, localized New York City phenomenon to what it is now a worldwide overground predominant movement and that’s gonna been an pretty exciting thing to watch…” (Martha Cooper) My friend RJ from the Vandalog blog met her last December and did that interesting interview with her. ...

Pro Graffiti: Martha Cooper & Henry Chalfant

For me and I think also for you it’s always interesting to hear about, what the protagonists of urban art documentation think about graffiti. It’s interesting to hear, why and mainly how the started to document that new wave of public art! Three days ago, the guys from FatCat Films, published a five minutes video, which shows famous graffiti photographers Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant as well as graffiti artist Blade, who spray-painted about 5,000 trains, talking about their opinions of graffiti on trains, subways and walls. ...

Live Underground - Urban Music

I love it to listen to the various sounds, songs and voices of the often talented musicians in the subway-stations or trains. In my opinion they are part of the urban culture as well as the subway graffities or the tags on the ticket automates! Mike Kobal recently published his first subway music sample video, which shows really talented people from New York! When I watched it the first time, I got very impressed and a bit jealous, because here in Berlin, I often see people playing a didgeridoo or a accordion, but I can’t remember ever having seen an entire band or a saxophonist… ...

Red Retro & Berlin Subway Stations

After modifying stations in Madrid and Valencia, Red Retro renamed some subway stations in Berlin between September 15th and 26th! He changed for example “Alt-Mariendorf” into “Strg + Alt + Apple-Key”, “Alexanderplatz” into “Alexanderspass” and “Pankstraße” into “Punkstraße”. These changes are not digital - Red Retro uses original vinyl-transparency to make his mostly funny wordplays. The aim of this creative urban interventions is to break through the wall of people’s daily routine and monotony and to provoke human emotions. ...