From September 16th to October 2nd, 2014, Le Grand Jeu and LO/A Library of Arts presented an exhibition highlighting Italy’s long-standing interest and enthusiasm for graffiti and street art cultures. The show traced the development of these practices from the 1960s to the present day, exploring how urban writing and visual expression have evolved in parallel with social, cultural, and artistic changes. Through a carefully curated selection of books, magazines, and printed materials, the exhibition offered visitors a unique lens on the history and dynamics of Italy’s urban art scene.
The exhibition was organized to celebrate the publication of Crossboarding: An Italian Paper History of Graffiti Writing and Street Art, edited by Christian Omodeo. The book itself serves as a comprehensive documentation of Italian graffiti and street art, combining historical research, visual archives, and critical analysis. By connecting the printed publication with an on-site exhibition, Le Grand Jeu and LO/A created an immersive experience that allowed audiences to engage with both the material culture of urban art and the broader cultural narratives it reflects.
Beyond presenting works on paper, the exhibition fostered a dialogue between generations of artists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It emphasized the role of publishing as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural memory, while also highlighting the continued vitality and relevance of street art in contemporary Italy. Visitors were invited not only to admire the visual richness of the materials on display but also to reflect on the ways these practices have shaped and continue to influence urban culture, aesthetics, and public space.
Crossboarding: An Italian Paper History of Graffiti Writing and Street Art | Le Grand Jeu & LO/A Library of Arts
Exhibition developed in collaboration with Le Grand Jeu
📍 LO/A Library of Arts, Paris
🗓 September 16th – October 2nd, 2014