Book Accessible at MCL: *Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip-Hop Diaspora* authored by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón

# *Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip-Hop Diaspora* by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón – Available at MCL

The realm of graffiti, frequently linked to predominantly male street art and hip-hop culture, has historically been a battleground for women warriors seeking acknowledgment. In *Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip-Hop Diaspora*, author Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón delves into the essential contributions of women within graffiti culture and how they channel their artistry as a medium of feminist defiance and self-representation. This captivating and thought-provoking book can be found at the **Multnomah County Library (MCL)** for readers eager to explore the convergence of gender, hip-hop, and street art.

## Book Overview

Released in 2018, *Graffiti Grrlz* illuminates the often-ignored roles of women in graffiti culture. Pabón-Colón, a feminist researcher and authority on hip-hop and street art, draws upon comprehensive global research, featuring interviews with female graffiti artists from the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia. She analyzes graffiti not merely as a rebellious subculture but as a stage where women confront gender stereotypes, reclaim urban environments, and cultivate international feminist networks.

The book underscores how these “Graffiti Grrlz” maneuver through a male-centric landscape while asserting their artistic and political expressions. By embellishing walls, creating murals, and participating in performative acts of defiance, they transform the narratives of both hip-hop culture and feminism.

## Core Themes

1. **Feminism within Hip-Hop Culture** – Pabón-Colón demonstrates how women utilize graffiti to contest sexism prevalent in hip-hop and broader society. Unlike conventional feminist movements that often disregard the contributions of women in graffiti, these artists forge their own identities and communities through spray paint and urban artistry.

2. **Graffiti as a Form of Performance** – The text analyzes graffiti as a performance art, where artists engage dynamically with their urban surroundings and the communities within. Their artwork transcends vandalism; it stands as a declaration of presence, resistance, and empowerment.

3. **Global Connections of Female Graffiti Artists** – Pabón-Colón investigates how women graffiti artists connect across continents, establishing supportive and collaborative networks. Via social media, exhibitions, and street initiatives, they exchange ideas and elevate their visibility on a global platform.

4. **Obstacles and Challenges** – The book earnestly addresses the adversities that women in graffiti encounter, such as discrimination, harassment, and the struggle for acknowledgment in a historically male-dominated arena. Despite these hurdles, *Graffiti Grrlz* illustrates how these artists endure and advance.

## Reasons to Read *Graffiti Grrlz*

For anyone intrigued by street art, feminism, hip-hop culture, or social movements, *Graffiti Grrlz* is a must-read. This book not only shatters the stereotype of graffiti being a male-dominated art form but also amplifies the voices of diverse women artists redefining urban art culture in impactful ways.

Furthermore, Pabón-Colón’s engaging narrative style and thorough research render this an accessible yet knowledgeable book for both academics and casual readers. Whether you’re a graffiti aficionado, an artist, or just curious about feminist activism in unforeseen contexts, this work provides an insightful outlook on the influence of street art.

## Borrow *Graffiti Grrlz* at Multnomah County Library

If you’re keen to discover this intriguing book, you’re in for a treat! *Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip-Hop Diaspora* is available at the **Multnomah County Library**. You can browse the library catalog to reserve a copy or place a hold.

For more details, visit [Multnomah County Library’s website](https://multcolib.org/) or visit your nearest library branch.

#### Explore the voices of graffiti grrlz and find inspiration in their creativity, activism, and resilience!