BEFORE THE HYPE
Graffiti wasn’t always celebrated. In the 1980s and 90s, it was criminalized, erased, and dismissed as « vandalism. » Yet, this raw, illegal energy was the spark behind many of today’s most respected urban artists.
With “Vandalisme”, Tarek Ben Yakhlef — author of the cult book Paris Tonkar (1991, reprinted in 2024) — returns to the origins of French graffiti, diving into the hidden history of the writing scene in Paris and its suburbs. Through over 500 never-before-seen photographs, personal stories, and portraits of key crews and writers, the book sheds light on the rebellious roots of a movement that shaped cities and subcultures alike.
Join us at the bookstore for a book signing of Vandalisme, published by Massot éditions. Tarek Ben Yakhlef will be present to discuss the book, share stories from the early days of graffiti, and sign copies.
🗓 June 12
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Le Grand Jeu, Paris
paristonkar.fr 