Through the Lens of Urban Art: Meeting Martha Cooper

Martha Cooper

I had the opportunity to meet Martha Cooper at the Miami Basel Art Show in November 2018. From a distance, I spotted her perched on a scaffolding, capturing the progress of a large mural with her camera. Even from afar, I recognized her instantly. Although the area was closed off to the public as they prepared a new exhibition, I felt compelled to meet her. I approached a security guard and explained that I absolutely had to speak with this photographer. Somehow, the message got through, and just minutes later, Martha appeared at the gate.

What followed was an hour in her company as we toured the exhibition site together. We spoke at length about her creative process, particularly her unique approach to photographing street art in its raw and vibrant state. She shared fascinating insights into her techniques, her deep connection to urban culture, and her unwavering commitment to preserving fleeting moments of artistic expression through her lens. Her passion was palpable, especially as she recounted her personal connections with various street artists and her ability to link their works to their broader visions.

It was more than just a conversation—it was an intimate glimpse into the mind of a trailblazer who views the world through a lens that celebrates creativity, community, and authenticity. She exuded the same passion for storytelling and street art that has defined her career, leaving me both inspired and profoundly grateful for the experience.

Her artistic approch

Martha’s most renowned body of work, documenting the New York City graffiti scene of the 1970s and 1980s emerged during her time as a journalist for the New York Post.

After assignments, she would often use the unused frames left on her film to photograph children in her neighborhood. One day, she met a young boy named Edwin Serrano (He3), who introduced her to the vibrant graffiti culture in the area. Serrano explained that graffiti was not mere vandalism but a legitimate art form, with each artist signing their work using a unique nickname.

Through Serrano, Martha met the iconic graffiti artist DONDI, who became the first to allow her to accompany him as he tagged walls. While he worked, she documented his creations through her lens, capturing the raw energy of this underground movement. This pivotal encounter sparked her fascination with the graffiti subculture that was transforming New York City’s urban landscape.

In 1984, she published Subway Art, a groundbreaking book of photographs that chronicled the urban graffiti movement. The book became an essential reference for street art enthusiasts and earned the moniker "the Bible of street art." It solidified her legacy as a pioneer in documenting the intersection of art, culture, and urban life.

A few chosen photographs by Martha Cooper