Blade 1980

"Blade" (1980) is a photograph by Henry Chalfant that captures the vibrant energy of New York City's graffiti art scene. Chalfant, a pioneering photographer and documentarian of urban art, captured the unique aesthetic of graffiti on a subway car. The piece showcases bold, colorful shapes and abstract forms, indicative of the style and creativity of the graffiti artists. The piece serves as a visual testament to the ephemeral nature of graffiti art, highlighting the intricate details and dynamic compositions that characterized this art form. Chalfant’s work has helped to legitimize graffiti as a significant form of artistic expression, making it accessible to a wider audience and elevating it to an art historical context.