Monumental Graffiti: Rethinking Public Art and Resistance

In 'Monumental Graffiti: Tracing Public Art and Resistance in the City,' anthropologist and curator Rafael Schacter reinterprets the concept of monumentality through the lens of graffiti and street art. Set for release by MIT Press in 2024, the book posits that monuments are dynamic actions—gestures that inform, caution, or reflect. Schacter uses international examples to demonstrate how graffiti can embody monumental qualities without depending on size, legality, or permanence. He differentiates between collective spraycan memorials and personal, cryptic memorial tags. Both types act as vibrant monuments tied to community and impermanence. The work critiques traditional views of public memory, prioritizing engagement over physical longevity. Images and case studies from global streets highlight graffiti's ability to capture attention akin to established monuments. Schacter’s investigation connects art history with urban practice, framing public art as conceptual rather than merely physical. This review was initially published by Brooklyn Street Art (BSA), featuring text by Steven P. Harrington and Jaime Rojo, along with photographs by Diana Paun.