Books in the MCL: Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón. Graffitti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora
- Book review by Brooklyn Street Art
- Martha Cooper Library
- MCL
- November 19, 2024
Graffitti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora. Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón.
2018
“Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora” by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón provides an insightful look into the world of women graffiti artists, challenging the perception that graffiti is a male-dominated subculture. This book highlights the contributions of over 100 women graffiti artists from 23 countries, showcasing how they navigate, challenge, and redefine the graffiti landscape.
From the streets of New York to the alleys of São Paulo, Pabón-Colón explores the lives and works of these women, presenting graffiti as a space for the performance of feminism. The book examines how these artists build communities, reshape the traditionally masculine spaces of hip hop, and create networks that lead to the formation of all-girl graffiti crews and painting sessions. This aspect is particularly useful in understanding how digital platforms have broadened the reach and impact of women graffiti artists, facilitating connections and collaborations worldwide.
One of the central themes of “Graffiti Grrlz” is the concept of feminist masculinity. Pabón-Colón shows how women graffiti artists adopt and adapt traits such as aggression, assertiveness, and daring to gain respect and assert their presence in the graffiti world. Artists like Miss17 and ClawMoney illustrate this theme, using their graffiti personas to challenge gender norms and redefine what it means to be a woman in the subculture. The book captures Miss17’s sentiment: “We’re women: that’s about all that’s feminine about it. The rest of it is a masculine thing.”
Another important theme is the reclamation and documentation of “herstory.” Pabón-Colón emphasizes the need to recognize and remember the contributions of women in graffiti, who have often been overlooked in many narratives. By highlighting pioneers like Lady Pink and contemporary artists like AbbyTC5, the book stresses the importance of documenting the historical and ongoing presence of women in graffiti.
Pabón-Colón also addresses the intersection of feminism and hip hop, showing how women graffiti artists engage with feminist ideas within the context of hip hop culture. The book moves beyond simplistic notions of “girl power” to an understanding of feminism that includes strength, resilience, and community. ClawMoney’s reflection that graffiti taught her “work ethic” and “aesthetic” exemplifies this engagement.
The book also discusses the challenges and pressures faced by women in graffiti. Artists like Motel7 and EGR talk about the difficulties of conforming to or rejecting traditional gender roles and how their graffiti personas provide an outlet for authentic self-expression. This theme highlights how these women use graffiti to navigate and resist societal expectations.
“Graffiti Grrlz” blends scholarly analysis with personal narratives, making it accessible to both academics and general readers. Pabón-Colón’s writing captures the dynamic spirit of graffiti culture. The book encourages readers to rethink gender norms and appreciate the diverse contributions of women in graffiti. By highlighting their resilience, creativity, and impact on the subculture, “Graffiti Grrlz” shows how women have been challenging long-standing stereotypes. Pabón-Colón’s research and storytelling make this book a valuable read for anyone interested in hip hop, feminism, and graffiti.
Text: Steven P. Harrington & Jaime Rojo Fotos: Sebastian Kläbsch