Philadelphia Graffiti Handstyles

An Exploration in the Early 2020s

Philadelphia has developed a distinctive tradition of graffiti tagging and calligraphic name-writing that differs markedly from other American graffiti schools. In spring 2023, French graphic and type designer François Chastanet explored the streets of Philadelphia with his camera, documenting the continuing evolution of the city’s local handstyles. Notebook sessions with writers from different generations additionally provide insight into the preparatory drawings behind lettering later executed in public space. Through photographs and diagrams, Philadelphia Graffiti Handstyles examines characteristic forms including the condensed and monumental “Tall Hands” and the highly elaborate “Wickeds”, complex and strongly cursive signatures regarded as a distinctive feature of Philadelphia graffiti. The book combines photographic documentation, lettering analysis and graffiti history, presenting Philadelphia as an independent center of urban writing culture.

If you are interested in more Philadelphia handstyles you should check out also  PHILADELPHIA DARK PAGES (Tag Spotlight #2). The zine shows only handstyles on dark green or black tarps throughout the city photographed in the same time period by François Chastanet as well.

We invite you to check out François Chastanet’s other great books with deep researches and documentations on other tagging and handstyle cultures around the world.

• Pixacao: Sao Paulo Signature (2007)
• Cholo Writing – Latino Gang Graffiti in Los Angeles (2009)
• Dishu: Ground Calligraphy in China (2013)

160 pages, 16,5 x 24,7 cm, hardcover
Language: English
Authors: François Chastanet, Foreword by Sam Meyerson aka CURVE
Release date: September 2026
ISBN: 978‑91‑89944‑16‑9
Publisher: Dokument Press