KYSELAK – Gabriele Goffriller

Graffiti writing is not a unique phenomenon. Over the centuries people wrote their names and/or aliases in public space, most often to leave a trace and mark (important) places they visited. But only a few examples appear throughout history where the writers did it in a competitive-like way with a certain amount of quality and quantity, parameters which became basic in today’s namewriting culture.

Joseph Michael Kyselak (*1798-1831†) might be the most popular ancient example and is mentioned oftentimes as the world’s first tagger. The Vienna born financial official started around 1820 leaving his surname mostly in big black letters accompanied by the year when he went for journeys in the Austrian nature. Just like a graffiti writer he did not only leave his mark thousands of times but also did look for the most outstanding places and risky spots to do so.

In 1825 he went for a three month walking trip through Austria (also today’s Italy, Slovenia and Bavaria) and published Skizzen einer Fußreise durch Österreich (blueprint of a walking tour through Austria) on his journey four years later. Since not many information on Kyselak are handed down this book is the most interesting source from the person behind the famous signatures. The Austrian art historian Gabriele Goffriller republished the original texts by him to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his trip.

As expert in the field for more than 20 years she added Das Phänomen İ·KYSELAK (The phenomenon İ·KYSELAK) which compiles the most recent status of research on the wanderlust writer. The hardcover includes information on his route, remaining writings and a detailed map to retrace his tour but also gives insight into his influence and cultural aftermath. A broad variety of sources show how KYSELAK became part of regional folklore, paintings, poems, theatre plays, literature and how his name became ‘the thing’ to write on a wall when having the chance to.

The complete set includes four handy format softcover books with almost 800 pages and the additional 120-paged research hardcover. It is the most accurate collection of information on KYSELAK and his signatures and the perfect introduction to the mountaineer with the uncommon leisure pursuit. The anniversary edition comes in a tote bag ready to follow his traces and go on a trip yourself.

120 pages, 16,1 x 23,3 cm, four open spine bound books + additional hardcover + tote bag
Language: German
Editor: Gabriele Goffriller
Author: Joseph Michael Kyselak
Release date: February 2026
ISBN: 978-3-903516-46-5
Publisher: Edition Tandem