Renowned New York photographer Henry Chalfant is delighted to have his art honored in Birmingham these days. His stunning photography is being showcased in a new exhibition titled “The Epic Story of Graffiti,” which has filled the city of Birmingham with a colorful artistic energy. This exhibition not only highlights Chalfant’s artistic vision but also shows how graffiti, originally painted on the walls of New York’s subway trains in the 1970s and 1980s, transformed into a global cultural movement.
When 85-year-old Chalfant arrived in Birmingham and saw the exhibition, his eyes were filled with pride and emotion. He said, “This experience is truly amazing—it’s so beautiful, impressive, and magnificent. When I saw the entrance to this exhibition, it was as if history came alive before my eyes.”
The Story of Graffiti: From Train Walls to the World Stage
Henry Chalfant was in New York during the 1970s, when the city witnessed the birth of hip-hop culture. At the same time, some young artists transformed train carriages into canvases for their imagination. Chalfant captured these artists’ hard work, passion, and rebellious spirit forever through his camera.
At the entrance to the exhibition, a massive wall displays images of hundreds of New York trains—each a symbol of color and creativity. These images not only reflect the soul of the city, but also illustrate how graffiti evolved into an art form that broke boundaries and forged its own identity.
The Magic of the Exhibition in Birmingham
“The Epic Story of Graffiti” exhibition is on view for free at Birmingham’s Bullring until June 29th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The exhibition’s curator, Muhammad Ali, from the Birmingham-based organization Soul City Arts, says, “We have proven that graffiti is not a limited art form. It has become an international movement.”
Muhammad Ali explained that he met Henry Chalfant in New York several years ago and decided at that moment that the exhibition would one day be held in his hometown of Birmingham. He said, “I am proud that Henry trusted me and shared his precious images with us.”
Art and Artists: The Story of Henry Chalfant and Mar139
A famous photograph taken by Henry Chalfant in 1981 shows a teenager spray-painting a train. The teenager was Carlos Rodriguez, who later became a successful artist and became known in the art world as Mar139.
Carlos also arrived in Birmingham for the exhibition opening, where he was present with Chalfant and Muhammad Ali.
Henry Chalfant is originally from Pennsylvania but moved to New York in the early 1970s. At that time, New York City was struggling with crime and economic crisis. Chalfant explains, “When I arrived, New York was at its lowest ebb. The Bronx was burning, East New York was filled with fear, but amidst this chaos, I saw colorful graffiti on the walls and trains. I thought, ‘This city isn’t bad, but it’s incredibly vibrant.'”
The Story Behind the Camera: A Combination of Art and Trust
Chalfant began photographing graffiti artists in 1977 and devoted the next eight years to his passion. Initially, it took some time to gain the artists’ trust, as many young people thought he was an “undercover policeman.” But when they discovered Chalfant’s true intentions, they wholeheartedly embraced him as a part of their work.
Henry says, “The graffiti movement changed world culture. I was fortunate to witness its early stages with my own eyes and capture it through my lens.”
Hip-Hop and Graffiti: From Rebellion to Creation
New York in the 1970s and 1980s witnessed not only crime and poverty, but also a creative explosion. Chalfant explains, “Hip-hop was emerging at that time, and graffiti kept pace with it. These young artists, regardless of society, were expressing themselves on trains and walls. Initially, it was limited to mere tags or name-scribbling, but it soon evolved into complex, beautiful artworks.”
Birmingham’s B-Side Hip-Hop Festival
This exhibition is organized in conjunction with Birmingham’s B-Side Hip-Hop Festival, which is celebrating its 10th year this year. The three-day festival is taking place in the Birmingham Hippodrome, Southside, and Bullring areas. This isn’t just an art exhibit, but a confluence of music, dance, and culture that connects a new generation to the roots of hip-hop and graffiti.
Conclusion: Graffiti – A Journey from Walls to Hearts
“The Epic Story of Graffiti” isn’t just an exhibit, it’s a living document of history—of a generation that transformed the dusty walls of their city into a revolution of color.
Henry Chalfant’s photographs teach us that art isn’t just about brushes and canvas, but can emerge from any place where there’s freedom.A spirit of rebellion and creativity** is present.
This Birmingham exhibition not only offers a glimpse into the past, but also sends a message that creativity knows no boundaries—whether it’s New York’s subway or Birmingham, the heart of England
