Urban Warriors: Los Angeles (2018)

Urban Warriors / Los Angeles defines and explores the roots of modern graffiti. It's also the story of legendary graffiti artists Prime and Bumps, once rebels on the street, and now respected commercial artists working from a common studio. Originating in New York in the 70's and 80's, graffiti evolved to new heights as it came to Los Angeles during the late 1980's. Jose "Prime" Reza, who created some of the most influential works during those early days, sees its growth as a reflection of the turmoil of that era. Another contemporary, Karlos "Bumps" Marques sees passion as common thread in the work of many street artists. Evolving from simple tagging to a more technical, sophisticated "LA Style," street writing reflected LA's diversity and gang influences. Over time, it developed a set of writing rules and definitions: In the graffiti world, graffiti is illegal, while graffiti art is graffiti created with permission. A street artist is considered to be someone who creates in safer environments, as opposed to those who would climb a freeway overpass or write in gang areas. Today, Prime and Bumps have overcome personal challenges to return to their passion. They're creating again, but in a world more accepting and respectful of their talents and influence. Celebrated at commercial art galleries, they warmly received where once they were dismissed. Graffiti itself continues to evolve. With diversity and competitiveness, Los Angeles remains the influential centre of the art. The best artists are still in LA, as new generations of young artists are driven to the art form's unique adrenaline rush and sense of rebelliousness.