Bullring presents The Epic Story of Graffiti—an exhibition produced by Soul City Arts and Birmingham Hippodrome that celebrates one of the most misunderstood yet influential artforms of our time.

At the heart of the exhibition is the work of legendary graffiti documentarian Henry Chalfant, whose lens captured thousands of spray-painted subway trains across New York in the late 1970s and ’80s. These fleeting masterpieces—often erased within hours—were immortalised through his photography, most notably in the iconic book Subway Art, co-authored with Martha Cooper.

Chalfant’s images have been exhibited in Madrid, New York, London, and now, for the first time, a specially curated selection arrives in Birmingham—offering a rare glimpse into the raw energy and creativity of a global movement.

The Epic Story of Graffiti is free to attend and suitable for all ages. It will be open every day between 11am and 6pm from 30th May – 29th June.

Through iconic work like Style Wars, Chalfant became more than a documentarian—he became a bridge between the streets of New York and the wider world. His work played a crucial role in elevating hip-hop culture, helping to establish it as one of the most significant artistic movements of the 20th century.

Starting out as a sculptor in 1970s New York, Henry Chalfant was soon drawn beyond the studio walls and into the streets, where a new cultural movement was taking shape. As hip-hop and graffiti began to rise from the city’s underground, he turned to photography and film to document it—recognising early on that something powerful was unfolding.

With a sharp eye and deep respect for the artists, Chalfant captured the raw energy and innovation of a generation turning urban decay into creative expression. His images of graffiti-covered subway cars and breakdancers in the Bronx weren’t just documentation—they were acts of preservation, spotlighting voices and visions too often overlooked.

Through iconic work like Style Wars, Chalfant became more than a witness. He became a bridge—connecting the streets of New York to the wider world, and helping to cement hip-hop culture as one of the most important artistic movements of the 20th century.

Without Henry Chalfant, there may be no Soul City Arts. Our founder and Artistic Director, Mohammed Ali, credits Henry’s work as a foundational influence with his discovery of the book Subway Art back in the early 80s.

 

Growing up in Birmingham’s graffiti scene since the late ’80s, Mohammed’s passion for the artform has taken him across the globe. Now, he’s proud to bring Henry’s work to his hometown.

Mohammed has always championed the power of graffiti. He says:

“The spray can, the marker pen—tools that write on walls—tell the stories of those who lived beside them, even if all they said was: ‘I exist.”