ABOVE GROUND: ART FROM THE MARTIN WONG GRAFFITI COLLECTION

Bold, raw, and defiantly expressive, Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection is a powerful tribute to a movement that redefined the boundaries of art and space in New York City. Now on view at the Museum of the City of New York, the exhibition chronicles a pivotal era in the evolution of graffiti—from its renegade origins on subway cars in the 1970s to its emergence as a recognized artistic force in galleries across the globe.

This electrifying showcase centers on a generation of visionary artists who came up on the city’s streets and subways, tagging walls and trains with names that would soon echo through the art world. As graffiti matured from an act of rebellion into a nuanced form of personal and political expression, many of its pioneers transitioned above ground, translating their signature styles onto canvas and bringing their energy into the mainstream art conversation.

The exhibition draws from the museum’s groundbreaking collection of graffiti-based art, generously donated by artist and collector Martin Wong three decades ago. Featuring more than 300 works, this archive is one of the most significant in the world—and Above Ground offers a rare glimpse into its depths. On view are extraordinary pieces in aerosol, ink, and mixed media by iconic figures including Rammellzee, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Futura 2000—each piece pulsing with the urgency, ambition, and identity of artists who refused to be confined by traditional spaces.

More than just a visual feast, Above Ground is a cultural time capsule. It documents the birth of a subculture fueled by youth, innovation, and resistance—and its eventual ascendance into the broader art world. Wong’s collection does more than preserve art; it preserves a moment when young people claimed their place in the city's visual language and, in doing so, shaped a global aesthetic that continues to influence everything from fashion to design to contemporary fine art.

This landmark exhibition is made possible through the generous support of UNIQLO USA, the Keith Haring Foundation, Elizabeth Belfer, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

With every vibrant stroke and letterform, Above Ground invites viewers to witness the story of graffiti not just as urban myth or youthful rebellion—but as enduring, transformative art. It’s a rare opportunity to see the roots of street culture lifted from the shadows and illuminated on the museum walls where they now rightfully belong.