Street Art Icons: The Story of Wynwood Walls

“Legacy is the mark one makes on the world. A legacy can be made in an unexpected and improbable way, even with something as simple as a spray can and a bold idea,” reflects Jessica Goldman Srebnick, Wynwood Walls Chief Curator and daughter of founder Tony Goldman.

“My dad envisioned a neighborhood unlike any other, one that resembled a masterful painting.”

As a creative genre rooted in subversion and vandalism—manifested in iconoclasts like Basquiat and Haring and shaped by political protests and revolutions—it took a family of visionaries to monumentalize the street art movement into a museum-like experience.

Enter Tony Goldman, the father and original visionary real estate developer who in 2009 transformed a run-down expanse of warehouses in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood into Wynwood Walls, a global phenomenon. Today, Wynwood Walls stands as not only one of America’s most remarkable urban renewal success stories but also the world’s first—and most significant—exhibition center for international street art.

In Street Art Icons: The Story of Wynwood Walls,

Readers encounter a celebration of fifteen years of this groundbreaking institution and the art form itself.

This stunning book offers a comprehensive tribute to street art and documentation of the genre, making it an essential collector’s item for connoisseurs and casual fans alike.

With never-before-seen photography of Wynwood Walls’ evolution and commentary from iconic figures such as Shepard Fairey, Maya Hayuk, Kenny Scharf, Ron English, and curator Jessica Goldman Srebnick, the book chronicles how Wynwood became a milestone in artists’ careers, catapulting unknowns and veterans alike to new heights.

Featuring Iconic Street Artists

Renowned documentary photographers Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer’s high-impact images capture the vibrant evolution of over 150 murals and pieces, what curator Jeffrey Deitch aptly describes as “vivid verbal pictures.” The book is a technicolor testament to the genre—a tribute to the highest-profile street art destination on earth.

Wynwood Walls has inspired millions of visitors and numerous communities around the world to explore their own creative spirits while elevating street art from a transient form of expression to an enduring cultural movement that honors and memorializes their unique identities.

Through Street Art Icons,

The authors invite readers to witness not only the heartbeat of Wynwood but also the soul of a movement amplified and canonized by the Goldmans’ vision.

From its beginnings as a creative oasis for the “creative class” to its role as the global epicenter of street art, Wynwood Walls showcases the transformative power of teamwork, passion, and leadership, empowered by paint and artists dreams.

Each mural encapsulates memorable stories of dedication, sacrifice, and surreal dreams, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of art and life itself.

As Jessica Goldman Srebnick and Hal Rubenstein eloquently recount,

Wynwood’s transformation is not just about murals on walls but about the spirit they evoke—a testament to art’s ability to inspire, uplift, and unite communities across generations.

In Street Art Icons, readers are invited to experience the essence and magic of Wynwood: a sanctuary of creativity where every stroke and spray of paint breathes life into the walls and challenges us to see the world anew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I purchase "Street Art Icons: The Story of Wynwood Walls"?
A: The book is available at The Wynwood Walls Shop.

Q: Who is the author of the book?
A: The book features contributions from various iconic figures in the street art community, with special commentary by curator Jessica Goldman Srebnick and Hal Rubenstein.

Q: What makes Wynwood Walls significant in the art world?
A: Wynwood Walls is the world's first and most significant exhibition center for international street art, playing a pivotal role in legitimizing and promoting the genre.

Q: Does the book include works from new artists?
A: Yes, it showcases a blend of works from both emerging talents and established artists, highlighting the diversity of the street art movement.

Q: Can I visit Wynwood Walls in person?
A: Absolutely! Wynwood Walls is open to the public, offering an immersive experience of the art featured in the book.

Purchase Your Copy Today

Page count

284 pages

Number of illustrations

317

Language

English

Released on

November 2024

Dimensions

W 10 x L 13 x D 1 in

Cover materials

Hardcover

ISBN

9781649802910

Weight

5.0 lb

Author

Jessica Goldman Srebnick, Hal Rubenstein