A PIECE OF NEW YORK
The beginnings
The origins of graffiti in New York can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when a burgeoning subculture began to emerge within the city's neighborhoods, particularly in the Bronx. Graffiti, in its early days, was not the highly stylized and artistic form that it is often associated with today. Instead, it started as simple tags—quickly scrawled signatures or monikers—sprayed on walls, subway cars, and other public spaces.
A PIECE OF NEW YORK
Subway cars
In the early stages, subway cars became the primary canvas for these artists. The elevated train lines crisscrossing the city provided a visible and dynamic platform for graffiti, allowing tags and artworks to be seen by a wide audience. Subway yards and layup locations became hubs for graffiti writers, where they could paint their pieces on stationary trains during the night when the cars were not in service.
A PIECE OF NEW YORK
Aluminium
The aluminum texture of the subway cars in New York City played a significant role in shaping the visual aesthetic of graffiti during the movement's formative years. The smooth, metallic surfaces of the subway cars provided a unique canvas for graffiti writers, influencing the way they approached and executed their art.
A PIECE OF NEW YORK
Texture
Aluminum, being a reflective and durable material, allowed for vivid and long-lasting graffiti pieces. The reflective nature of the surface enhanced the visibility of the artwork, especially when hit by natural or artificial light. This quality made subway cars a dynamic and eye-catching medium for graffiti, as the pieces would shimmer and catch the attention of both passengers and pedestrians alike.
A PIECE OF NEW YORK
Rimowa
A Rimowa suitcase, with its distinctive aluminum texture, bears a resemblance to the metallic surfaces of subway cars that were once popular canvases for graffiti artists. The suitcase's corrugated pattern, reminiscent of urban environments, provides a visually appealing background for personalized graffiti.
Graffiti on a Rimowa suitcase becomes a contemporary fusion of street art traditions and modern travel culture. The textured surface allows for three-dimensional effects, adding depth to designs and serving as a unique canvas for self-expression.
A PIECE OF NEW YORK
The Rimowa suitcase design, inspired by New York City subway car graffiti, is part of a collection named "A Piece of New York."
Drawing from the iconic textures and styles of subway car graffiti, this collection is a fusion of urban street art and modern travel culture. Each suitcase becomes a portable exhibition, carrying with it not only the belongings of its owner but also a tangible piece of New York's vibrant graffiti history.
The collection represents a creative convergence, where elements of counterculture find expression on the distinctive aluminum canvas of Rimowa, turning it into a unique and personalized work of art.
