Colors of resistance: Atlanta style writing culture evolves, expands

Style writing colors the streets of Atlanta neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Inman Park and Midtown. Such art pieces are prominent on the walls of the Krog Street Tunnel and along the Atlanta BeltLine. The mixed writing styles and colors catch the eyes of pedestrians and drivers as they pass by, highlighting their presence in modernized areas. Style writing, most commonly known as graffiti, has become an increasingly prominent subculture in Atlanta over the past 40 years. Street artists host exhibitions with the Atlanta BeltLine, such as “ATL Jam” and “So So Def Wall,” to celebrate the art in one of its most popular locations within the city: Midtown.  The art form has developed in Atlanta for over 40 years. In the early ’80s, as Atlanta’s hip-hop movement took off, style writing began to grow as well. Atlanta also expanded its transportation network as main MARTA stations like Peachtree and Atlantic stations were built in 1971. This expansion allowed style writing from urban centers like New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles to make its way to Atlanta, said Mendez, a style writer with Madclout, which is a team of style writing artists in Atlanta. Many young artists, such as The United Kings...