Watch Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence

Wall Writers: Graffiti in its Innocence is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the birth of graffiti art in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The movie is directed by Roger Gastman, a renowned graffiti artist himself, and features interviews with some of the earliest graffiti writers in history, who talk about the origins of the art form and their own experiences as pioneers.

The film starts off with a brief history of New York City in the 1960s, a time when the city was experiencing a lot of social and political turmoil. Poverty, crime, and racial tension were high, and the youth were looking for ways to express themselves and rebel.

Soon, young people started to write their names and other messages on walls, buildings, and trains all over the city, using spray paint and markers. This was the birth of graffiti art, a movement that would become one of the most influential and controversial forms of art in history.

The movie then introduces us to some of the earliest graffiti writers, including TAKI 183, CORNBREAD, and COOL EARL. These men, along with many others, were responsible for the explosion of graffiti art throughout New York and eventually around the world.

Through interviews and archival footage, the movie explores the motivations and experiences of these pioneers. Many of them talk about how they started writing their names on walls as a way to gain recognition and respect in their neighborhoods. Graffiti art was a way to make their mark on the world and express themselves in a way that was otherwise impossible.

The film also delves into the culture surrounding graffiti art, including the rivalries between writers, the dangers of getting caught by the police, and the emergence of graffiti crews, which were groups of writers who worked together to create more elaborate and impressive pieces.

Throughout the movie, we see stunning examples of the graffiti art that these writers created, including giant colorful murals, intricate tags, and even whole trains covered in graffiti. The visuals are accompanied by a great soundtrack that features songs from the time period, adding to the feeling of nostalgia and authenticity.

In addition to the interviews and footage of the writers themselves, the movie also includes commentary from art critics and historians, who discuss the significance of graffiti art and its impact on the art world.

Perhaps most importantly, the movie shines a light on the innocent beginnings of graffiti art, which started as a way for young people to express themselves and gain recognition, but eventually became a massive, international movement that was embraced by some and reviled by others.

Overall, Wall Writers: Graffiti in its Innocence is a fascinating and well-crafted documentary that will appeal to both fans of graffiti art and those interested in the broader social and cultural context of the time period. It's a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the history and impact of one of the most important art movements of the 20th century.

Wall Writers: Graffiti In Its Innocence is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.