Tarek Ben Yakhlef – Vandalisme

Graffiti wasn’t always celebrated. In the 80s and 90s, it was criminalized, erased, and dismissed as “vandalism.” And yet, this raw, illegal energy was the spark behind many of today’s most respected urban artists.

With Vandalisme, Tarek Ben Yakhlef — author of the cult book Paris Tonkar (1991, reprinted in 2024) — returns to the origins of French graffiti, diving into the hidden history of the writing scene in Paris and its suburbs. Through over 500 never-before-seen photographs, personal stories, and portraits of key crews and writers, the book sheds light on the rebellious roots of a movement that shaped cities and subcultures alike.

Join us at the bookstore for a book signing of Vandalisme, published by Massot Éditions. Tarek Ben Yakhlef will be present to discuss the book, share stories from the early days of graffiti, and sign copies.

🗓 June 12
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Le Grand Jeu, Paris