The World Atlas of Street Art and Graffiti

The World Atlas of Street Art and Graffiti by Rafael Schacter is a digital PDF edition of the definitive global survey of contemporary Independent Public Art. This 400-page book profiles 113 artists and collectives from 25 countries, with 16 expert city profiles and 12 artist-created psychogeographic maps. As a digital download, it is available instantly after purchase.

From New York to São Paulo, London to Tokyo, the volume explores graffiti, murals, stencils, posters, sculpture, and performance in public space. It presents a serious, analytical account of an art form that is often misunderstood, and it gives the city a central role as medium and site.

Book Overview

Written by Rafael Schacter with a foreword by Chris Johnston, this atlas is organized around artists and cities. It uses the term Independent Public Art, coined by theorist Javier Abarca, to describe the wide range of practices featured. The book includes profiles of artists such as FAILE, How & Nosm, Invader, Os Gêmeos, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, Swoon, and many others, along with city profiles of New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and more.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Profiles of 113 individual and collective practitioners from 25 countries
• Sixteen city profiles written by regional experts
• Twelve original psychogeographic city maps created by selected artists
• Works spanning graffiti, stencil art, sculpture, posters, performance, and photorealistic murals
• Historical context connecting contemporary street art to traditions such as Aboriginal rock art, Arte Povera, Brazilian pixação, Mexican muralism, and New York spray can culture
• Analysis of formal style, influences, and the social and political dimensions of public art

Why This Book Matters

Street art and graffiti are among the most widespread popular art forms of our time, yet they are often dismissed by institutions and the art world. This atlas gives the movement serious visual and textual attention, treating the city as a medium rather than a canvas. It is an essential reference for artists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in contemporary visual culture.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so there is no physical shipping. Access is available immediately after purchase. The PDF works on Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and most standard reading applications.

FAQ

How soon will I receive the book? You get instant access after purchase, so you can start reading right away.

Is a physical copy included? No. This listing is for a digital PDF only; no printed book will be shipped.

Which devices can I use? The PDF is compatible with Kindle apps, tablets, smartphones, desktop readers, and most e-reader software.

Explore the full range of global street art and graffiti in this authoritative digital atlas.