AMSTERDAM STREET ART 2 (2023 – 2025)
Amsterdam has played a key role in the rise of graffiti culture since the 1970s. By 2025, Amsterdam graffiti occupies a multifaceted and evolving position at the crossroads of art, activism, identity and technology. It remains a powerful form of artistic expression, particularly for those operating outside the boundaries of traditional art institutions. In urban environments, graffiti acts as a visual diary for youth, subcultures and street artists, capturing the pulse of the streets in real time.
Graffiti originated in inner cities without formal frameworks or predefined rules. Graffiti culture is shaped by the city’s own inhabitants, driven by a deep need for self-expression. At its core, graffiti is about creative development and a continuous pursuit of innovation. It shapes individuals as well as the society around them. It connects people and challenges them to be creative. Given its inherently ephemeral nature, the ultimate form of preservation lies in visual documentation, accompanied by the stories behind the works.
In the preface of the first AMSTERDAM STREET ART book, we already emphasized the crucial role photography plays in this culture. Since the early days, countless photographers around the world, including the renowned Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, have been inspired by the visual language, atmosphere and raw energy that graffiti embodies. Through their work, they have made significant contributions to the documentation and evolution of graffiti, while also helping to increase the visibility of street art. Their photographs serve not only as historical records but also as sources of inspiration: emerging artists use them as tools for learning and growth, while established figures view them as a testament to their legacy within the movement.
Graffiti has been embraced globally as a foundation for various contemporary art movements and continues to influence fashion and design. It is a culture that fosters creativity and increases visibility. The importance of documentation, through mediums like photo books, extends beyond capturing a moment in time or adding to art history. These records also serve as portfolios for artists whose canvas is the street. As interest in graffiti grows, including from heritage institutions and museums, it becomes increasingly important for artists to document their work. Photographs of finished pieces offer proof of authorship and presence within the scene.
In this context, Kees Kamper’s photography in AMSTERDAM STREET ART 2 not only contributes to preserving an important piece of art history, but also helps to shape the future for talents rooted in the streets.
Dutch Graffiti Library 2025