An accomplished sculptor,
Henry Chalfant (American, b.1940) is best known for his photography and films that captured the Street Art of New York City. Due to the quick turn-around and ephemeral nature of Street Art, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, Chalfant's photographs act as the only lasting proof of some of the finest Graffiti Art that no longer exists. His work captures the essence of the movement and spirit of youth culture during these times. Chalfant has become a leading authority on subway art and co-produced the PBS documentary film,
Style Wars with Tony Silver in 1984. He has also written books on the subject, including
Subway Art, which he wrote with
Martha Cooper (American, b.1943) in 1984. Exhibits of his photos include the
O.K. Harris Gallery, and the landmark
New York-New Wave show at PSl; with other shows being put on by Galerie Speerstra, in Paris, France; The Bronx Museum, New York, NY; and Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; among others.