The Epic Story of Graffiti Arrives at Bullring

Graffiti has long been one of the most misunderstood artforms. But this isn’t just about spray paint, it’s about storytelling, culture, and a whole movement. And no one captured that better than legendary graffiti documentarian Henry Chalfant.

From the subways of 1970s and 80s New York, Chalfant’s photographs showcase the raw energy of a generation turning concrete canvases into bold expressions of identity. His images, many captured in fleeting moments before being scrubbed away, were immortalised in Subway Art, the now-iconic book co-authored with Martha Cooper, and in the seminal hip-hop film Style Wars.

Now, for the first time ever, a specially curated collection of Chalfant’s work lands in Brum. This isn’t just a global exhibition with a local postcode. For Soul City Arts' Creative Director Mohammed Ali, it’s personal. Growing up in Birmingham’s graffiti scene, Mohammed was inspired by Chalfant’s work, calling Subway Art one of the most influential books in his life.

From his early days as a sculptor to becoming the lens through which the world saw hip-hop, Henry Chalfant didn’t just photograph history, he helped make it. And now, his legacy is here, inspiring the next generation of Brummie creatives.

As Mohammed says:

“The spray can, the marker pen—tools that write on walls—tell the stories of those who lived beside them, even if all they said was: ‘I exist.’”

Come down, have a mooch, and see the art that changed the world.