A striking new art exhibition has just landed in the UK, kicking off a month-long residency at Birmingham’s Bullring. The Epic Story of Graffiti showcases the legendary American photographer and filmmaker Henry Chalfant, famed for capturing the rise of graffiti, hip-hop, and street culture in 1970s New York.
American photographer and filmmaker Henry Chalfant
This UK premiere features hundreds of iconic photographs and rare archival footage from Chalfant’s collection of painted NYC subway cars. The exhibition offers a vivid glimpse into the 70s and 80s, a time when graffiti evolved from an underground movement into a global cultural phenomenon. Open free to the public, the exhibition also includes film screenings, talks, and opportunities to meet Chalfant himself.
Presented by Soul City Arts, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Bullring, The Epic Story of Graffiti is now live in a large unit off Rotunda Square and will run until 30th June.
Danielle Bozward, Marketing & Placemaking Manager at Bullring, said: “There’s never been a more relevant time for Birmingham to host an exhibition like this. Henry Chalfant’s work captures a pivotal moment when New York City faced huge challenges alongside cultural innovation—parallels that resonate strongly with Brummies today.”
Chalfant reflects on the connection, saying: “Like Pittsburgh, my hometown, Birmingham has faced de-industrialisation and is now diversifying its economy. There’s a shared resilience—a creative determination to reclaim and reimagine public space.”
Chalfant’s work, especially his co-authored book Subway Art, has become a global touchstone for street artists and creatives. His photographs often captured graffiti moments just before they disappeared, preserving an important cultural history.
“We’re proud to bring these works exclusively to Birmingham and to collaborate with Henry to make them accessible for all. Birmingham’s street art scene stands on the foundations his work helped lay,” added Bozward.
Mohammed Ali, producer of the exhibition from Soul City Arts, commented: “Graffiti is one of the most misunderstood art forms of our time. This exhibition is crucial to offering insight into a world many see daily but don’t fully understand.”
With The Epic Story of Graffiti now live at Rotunda Square, Soul City Arts, Bullring, and Birmingham Hippodrome invite everyone to explore the powerful connection between global culture and local streets—and the enduring power of art to connect us all.
