From the Platform: Subway Graffiti, 1983-1989

A visual compilation of NYC subway graffiti art from 1983-1989 New York City native and graffiti writer Paul Cavalieri ("CAVS") was drawn to the colorful tags on the New York City subway trains in the early 1980's. He started learning train schedules so he could snap works by many artists of the time. From the Platform is his compilation of subway graffiti from 1983, at a time the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has tried hard to forget, through to 1989, when the MTA announced that its fleet was entirely graffiti-free. More than 325 color photos capture everything from motion-bombed train interiors riddled with pilot marker tags to epic works covering whole exteriors, top to bottom. Artists tell their tales of adventure throughout and reminisce about working on live third rails, navigating the complex subway system to find their works, and witnessing graffiti's gradual disappearance from the trains. This book presents a nostalgic look at 1980s New York City and the subway street artists that helped give it soul.