Videograf #1 1989
"Walls, trains and action shots from around the world."
Step inside the raw energy of 1980s New York graffiti culture with Videograf #1 (1989), a 23-minute documentary that captures the pulse of an underground movement through the lens of video pioneer Carl Weston.
Director: Carl Weston
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Videograf #1 (1989) about?
Videograf #1 (1989) plunges viewers into the heart of New York City's graffiti boom, showcasing the artists, styles, and subculture that transformed subway trains and streets into dynamic art. Through firsthand interviews and dynamic footage, it documents the hands, techniques, and personalities shaping the golden age of graffiti writing.
Who directed Videograf #1?
Videograf #1 was directed by Carl Weston, a key figure in capturing the underground graffiti scene through video during the late 1980s.
Who stars in Videograf #1?
The film features graffiti legends including Phase 2, Sien 5, Visom, Priz-One, NIC One, and producer Henry Chalfant, whose voices and styles define the era.
Is Videograf #1 (1989) worth watching?
As a 23-minute black-and-white time capsule, Videograf #1 is a must-watch for graffiti enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its unfiltered look at NYC's underground art scene offers rare insight into a movement that shaped modern street culture, even if it remains underseen today.
How long is Videograf #1?
Videograf #1 runs for 23 minutes, making it a quick but impactful dive into 1980s graffiti history.
About Videograf #1 (1989) — The Raw Pulse of 1980s Graffiti Culture
Step inside the raw energy of 1980s New York graffiti culture with Videograf #1 (1989), a 23-minute documentary that captures the pulse of an underground movement through the lens of video pioneer Carl Weston. This inaugural installment of the legendary 'Videograf' series dives deep into the world of subway train bombings and street art, blending intimate interviews with visual chaos. Featuring conversations with graffiti icons like Phase 2 and Sien 5, the film contrasts the grit of the city with the creativity of artists who turned walls and trains into canvases. It's a time capsule of rebellion, artistry, and the unfiltered spirit of a scene that defined a generation.
Walls, trains, and action shots collide in this unfiltered portrait of graffiti's golden era, where every frame crackles with the tension between order and chaos. Directed by Carl Weston and co-founder Colin Turner, Videograf #1 offers a rare, unmediated look at the hands, styles, and voices behind the movement—from the legendary Phase 2 to New York's most influential writers like Visom and Priz-One. This isn't just a documentary; it's a living archive of a culture that thrived in the margins.