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Hamburg Graffiti History 1980-1999

Our planned publication will document the history of Hamburg’s graffiti scene from 1980 to 1999. We are four editors and each of us has been part of the graffiti scene for more than 30 years. We combine an exclusive collection of photos with original quotes of the graffiti writers and academic essays to create an authentic documentation of the beginnings of a subculture that turned into a global art form.

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Funding period

8/28/19 - 10/6/19

Realisation

October 2019 till April 2020

Website & Social Media

Minimum amount (Start level): 18,000 €

Hardcover and Special Collectors’ Edition, approx. 280 pages.

City

Hamburg

What is this project all about?

The Hamburg graffiti scene is still very much rooted in the 1980s and 1990s. Its protagonists are regarded as pioneers not only within the community, they have had a decisive influence on the visual appearance of Hamburg. For years, all four of us dreamed of documenting the history of Hamburg’s graffiti culture and to capture what happened in the scene. In the past three years, we have been researching, collecting mostly unpublished photos, sketches, materials and statements from the graffiti writers of the time and from related fields, complementing them with essays by renowned authors. The result: An exquisitely designed hardcover publication that presents graffiti as a well-connected, subcultural phenomenon and offers information about the practice of appropriating the public space.

Authors: Dr. Sylvia Necker (architecture historian), Dr. Carsten Heinze (sociologist), KP Flügel (journalist), Dennis Kraus (former graffiti writer and editor in chief of Backspin Magazine), Christian Luda (editor), Kathleen Göttsche (cultural scientist), Lars Klingenberg (photographer and publisher) und Rik Reinking (art collector, curator and gallery owner).

Photographs by André Lützen, Bernd Euler, Fritz Peyer, Marily Stroux, Ulrich Gehner, Christine Plößer & Bettina Fickel, Thomas Henning, Milan Horacek, Jennifer Kauka, Alf Trojan, Stefan Malzkorn, Lars Kohn. Including material from the Altonaer Museum, Geschichtswerkstatt Barmbek, Stadtteilarchiv Ottensen, St. Pauli Archiv, as well as photos from the artists’ personal archives.

What is the project goal and who is the project for?

Our goal is to publish the Hamburg graffiti book in a limited hardcover edition – and we need your help! This publication is not just for graffiti fans, but for everyone who is interested in urban culture, art history and day-to-day phenomena. It’s also for time travellers and, of course, for everybody who lives in Hamburg or in the vicinity.

Why would you support this project?

In the three years of research, we have managed to collect a vast amount of amazing and unique material we simply have to share with you. Sadly, this elaborate publication relies on a successful crowdfunding campaign. On the upside, your financial contribution will pay off twice! All supporters will receive either one of the 500 hardcover books, the exclusive collectors’ edition which comes in a slipcase or other unique rewards such as limited FineArt print editions. For the book release, we have also planned exhibitions and events, which won’t be possible without this crowdfunding campaign.
One more thing: Thank you for your support and for trusting us!

How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?

It has always been our dream to create a publication that includes interviews with the protagonists of Hamburg’s graffiti scene, academic essays and large, high-quality series of photos, presenting the spirit of the then emerging graffiti scene as detailed as possible. Since we are not willing to compromise and to ensure we deliver the quality we promised, we have decided to handle the production and to publish it ourselves, without the help or interference of a publisher. Quality comes at a price, though. Which is why we will use the money to cover production costs.
If we reach the second funding goal, we will be able to add a lot more pages and an insert with an English version of all texts. Any money beyond the second goal will be used for the planned exhibitions.

Who are the people behind the project?

We are four editors who have been part of Hamburg’s graffiti scene for more than 30 years. All of us have experience in publishing as well as a big network that we’re investing in the project. We want to document the protagonists and history of Hamburg’s graffiti scene in 1980s and 1990s who were the nucleus not only for our own biographies, but for a whole generation of writers and for the development of the cityscape of Hamburg as we know it.

Andreas Timm (*1971 in Hamburg) aka Cario, was an active graffiti writer and has been part of the Hamburg scene since 1988. From 1992 to 1999 he published one of the first graffiti magazines in Hamburg – Daily Bombs.

Frank Petering (*1972 in Hamburg) was an active writer in the Hamburg scene from 1985 to 1995. A VHS tape made him join the scene: ‘U-Bahnzüge und verrückte Beine’. Frank Petering is the founder and was the editor of hip-hop magazine Backspin.

Oliver Nebel (*1972 in Hamburg) aka Davis One has been an active graffiti writer since 1988. From 1992 onwards he was the editor of Dosenspuk magazine and of Beastie Boyz magazine until 2001. Since 2001, Oliver Nebel has been working as freelance graphic designer and graffiti artist.

Mirko Reisser (*1971 in Lüneburg) aka DAIM has been an active graffiti writer since 1989. He studied arts in Lucerne. Until this day, he realises numerous large-scale projects in Germany and abroad, partaking in different gallery and museum exhibitions.

EINE STADT WIRD BUNT.