Personalia
(2015–2019)
Personalia is a visual study of graffiti culture in Sweden, focusing on the people behind the thriving underground culture. Hundreds if not thousands of graffiti artists or vandals – however they are called – devote their lives to the peculiar and controversial form of art; by their actions they gain respect and fame among their own rather small community, whereas are considered merely a nuisance by the general public. While graffiti often is seen as a youth culture and most graffiti writers start painting in their teenage years, the addiction grows deep roots that grip many for a lifetime.
The work discusses graffiti by portraying graffiti writers and by depicting their lifestyle. Showcasing the many different walks of life encompassed by practitioners, Riikonen looks past the simplistic notions held by the general public of what graffiti culture is and who identifies with it.
Personalia - The Book
Hardcover
Screen-printed slipcase
Stamp numbered
64 pages
Offset printing
30 x 24,5 cm
ISBN 978-91-984059-1-0
Edition 800 copies
Published in September 2019 by Kult Books