26. Graffiti

Philadelphia graffiti artist Repos traces his start to childhood train rides spotting tags, later experimenting in abandoned buildings. What began as intrigue evolved into elaborate pieces using the city's signature "wickets" style—tall, elongated tags pioneered by Notorious Bick. Graffiti, seen by artists as public expression, costs cities dearly in cleanup, prompting responses that blend punishment with opportunity.

Graffiti's Roots in Philadelphia

Experts credit Philadelphia as graffiti's birthplace, starting with Cornbread (Daryl McCrae) in the 1960s. He shifted it from gang markers to personal fame, famously tagging a zoo elephant to disprove a false death report. Repos embodies this tradition, following an informal code: avoid personal property like cars or churches, target abandoned spots. Graffiti Pier along the Delaware River exemplifies this, its concrete columns layered in tags, pieces, and tourist photos. Artists like Repos practice there to build visibility, placing names high for longevity.