Description: In this classic collection of all the SAMO poetry done by Jean- Michel Basquiat and Al Diaz on New York city streets, subway walls, and buildings, we have an historical collection of 40 years of graffiti art and literature. The collection is hardcover, full color, with over 200 photographs, many published for the first time.
Brief description: Mariah Fox Hausman comes from a family of artists and teachers and grew up outside Santa Fe, New Mexico and Port Maria, Jamaica. She attended the Kansas City Art Institute before graduating from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida in 1994 with a BFA in Illustration & Graphic Design. After undergraduate school, she worked as an art director, illustrator and freelancer for several Miami firms, and in 2001 founded her own company, Ital Art. In 2007, Mariah earned an MFA in Studio Art (Multimedia) from University of Miami. Mariah has used art and writing to express dream, fantasy and reality imagery since she began to draw at the age of four. Her work is exhibited regularly, and she has contributed art to more than 30 books and eleven publishers, including several major New York houses. She is an Addy Award winner and her company, Ital Art provides creative direction, graphic and illustrative artwork for a variety of clients. She began deep research and writing about Jean-Michel Basquiat in 2003, and met Al Díaz in 2014. Mariah enjoys teaching, writing and speaking on art movements and art, and designing workshops for all ages. Formerly, she lectured at the University of Miami for eight years. Currently she is an Associate Professor of Media Arts at New Mexico Highlands University.
Review Quotes:
"Díaz is an utterly credible figure in the evolution of illicit public art, but we wouldn't be talking about him now if he weren't doing something that is still noteworthy."
- CARLO MCCORMICK, longtime art critic for Paper Magazine
"Al Díaz has been one of the most important and influential voices in graffiti and street art since the 70s. A poet, with sarcastic and sometimes brutally honest commentary on sociological issues as well as political issues, Al's words have inspired laughter, anger and deep contemplative thought about who we are and where we are going as a society. With each phrase, Al seems to be saying, "Think what you want, but this is how it is. Here is the truth, do with it what you will." Al has since gone on to creating his phrases using cut up letters from WET PAINT signs and subway materials to actually bring the street into the gallery or home while remaining true to his original vision and message. A true pioneer of the street and a living legend, Al is still cranking out work today while his commentary remains as timely and poignant as ever."
.- DAVE NAVARRO, musician (Jane's Addiction) and art enthusiast
"...(Al's) signature will be etched in history as one of the most handsome tags of all time."
- LEE QUIÑONES, visual artist, actor (Wild Style)