TAG SPOTLIGHT #2 – PHILADELPHIA DARK PAGES

TAG SPOTLIGHT is a new publication series accompanying the international TAG Conference. For the 2023 edition, which will take place in Hamburg from 29th June till 1st July, the first four volumes have been published, each one having a specific topic of the writing culture in focus.

In the 2nd issue ‘PHILADELPHIA DARK PAGES’ by François Chastanet, best known for his excellent books ‘Cholo Writing’ and ‘Pixação: São Paulo Signature’ allows us to get a sneak-peak into his current field of research: the unique Philadelphia handstyles. For his upcoming book he analyzed the city’s own tagging styles known as ‘Simple Prints’ and ‘Wickets’. The vertical organized tags seem to follow an individual stylistic codex, completely different than the common style of tagging in the the New York tradition.

In ‘PHILADELPHIA DARK PAGES’ a subgenre of tags are in focus: handstyles on seemingly dark green or black tarps throughout the city. The tarps, intended as visual protection for empty lots, backyards or buildings sites, make the perfect canvas for the mostly silver and white tags of local writers. Although tagging on these tarps might seem to be less problematic as writing on walls, they are buffed quickly and became a major target to get up in Philadelphia.

Featured writers are GMEZ, SKARS, KRISIS, BE N°1, BALBOA, TUSUNE, MAG, SKAG, ENZOE, MESUP, ERON, SERCH, LUCAS, NAK, DA N°1, FAME, BET, KLONE, LSD, SNIPE, ACME, CURSE, ESBE, and more.

40 pages, 14,8 cm x 21 cm
Photographs: François Chastanet
Editor: Javier Abarca 

Release date: June 2023

Publisher: URBANARIO & Hitzerot