Watch Graffiti Verite

Graffiti Verite is a documentary film that delves into the underground world of graffiti art. The movie was released in 1995, and it provides a raw and unfiltered perspective on the art form, which was still considered taboo back then. The documentary is directed by Bob Bryan, who himself was a graffiti artist in the 1970s. The film is shot in Los Angeles, and it follows the lives and works of four renowned graffiti artists: SANO, NICER, JERSEY, and EYEONE.

The movie begins by introducing the audience to the graffiti culture and the history of the art form. Bryan takes us back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when graffiti first emerged on the streets of New York City. Graffiti was initially used as a form of rebellion by the youth against the government's neglect of their communities’ needs. The movie highlights that this rebellion was driven not only by political reasons but also by artistic and self-expression ones.

As the movie progresses, the audience is introduced to the four graffiti artists, and we get to see them in their natural element. The film provides an intimate portrayal of how the artists plan, sketch, and execute their art on the streets.

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is how the artists talk about the risks associated with graffiti. They discuss the legal repercussions they face, such as being arrested or sued, and the dangers of working on high-risk locations, such as freeways and bridges.

The movie also highlights the debate surrounding graffiti as art versus vandalism. The artists argue that their work is a form of self-expression and art, challenging the notion that tagging walls with spray paint is solely a destructive act. They also discuss the impact of their work on the community and how it can inspire people to take pride in their neighborhoods and encourage them to beautify them.

As the film progresses, we see the personal struggles of the artists. They discuss the challenges of maintaining their identity as graffiti artists while trying to build careers as professional artists. They also describe the difficulties they face with family and friends who do not understand their art form.

Graffiti Verite provides a comprehensive overview of the graffiti culture in the 1990s. The film explores the role of graffiti in urban society and the impact it has on the community, providing an insightful and nuanced view of the art form.

In addition to the interviews with the artists and footage of their work, the movie also features interviews with members of the public, law enforcement officials, and art critics. This provides a well-rounded perspective on the contentious issue of graffiti.

Overall, Graffiti Verite is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that provides a unique perspective on the graffiti art form. Through the exploration of the lives and works of the four graffiti artists, the movie presents a personal and emotional journey into the world of graffiti. It also forces the audience to question their own beliefs about graffiti as art versus vandalism, leaving them with a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Graffiti Verite is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 45 minutes.