![]() They strive to provide more safety measures, allow greater waterfront access for visitors, and add essential elements such as seating, restrooms, and trash cans. What we know so far about the future of the pier’s renovation project is that Studio Zewde, a Black-owned design firm, is in charge and they are aiming to change as little as possible about the local landmark. ![]() Currently, the pier is allowing visitors again but only during daylight hours. This news came not to deter tourists and Philly residents alike from reading the story that layers of neon spray paint have created over the years, but rather to collaborate with the DRWC (Delaware River Waterfront Corporation) to provide a safer environment for visitors that simultaneously respects the historical nature of the space. While the site has been a free-for-all for street artists since the early 90’s, the Philadelphia Police Department began cracking down on trespassers in the spring of 2018 following rising reports of supposed crime at this location. The DRWC, the group behind successful revamps like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Cherry Street Pier, have already spent about a year surveying Port Richmond and Fishtown residents on their ideas for the property. With such a rich history, the future of the Delaware River waterfront property has many locals nervous but hopeful. Pieces can be a lot easier for the novice graffiti viewer to digest, but the skill and artistry of wickeds and throws should not be overlooked. The constantly updated urban gallery consists mostly of throws, the most common graffiti style that looks like thickly outlined bubble letters, and pieces, a graffiti style that depends more heavily on images than lettering or hand styles. Wickeds, however, make up a small portion of Graffiti Pier’s walls. Put simply, if you know, you know and if you don’t, you better learn. And once you find out more about the exclusive nature of the Philadelphia graffiti world, you come to realize that this is intentional. This style is referred to as “wickeds.” To the untrained eye, a wicked looks like scribbles on a wall. You can find graffiti in almost any city, but Philly distinguishes itself by not only being the first, but also by maintaining a unique style that remains extremely difficult to duplicate and even harder to read if you are not accustomed to the style of writing. While many assume that the modern art of graffiti hails from the streets of New York or London, street art actually began right here in Philadelphia with Darryl McCray, known by his tag, “Cornbread.” In 1967, Cornbread popularized the idea of “getting up,” or gaining notoriety, through the language of graffiti. ![]() The abandoned Conrail pier, originally used as a coal loading dock until the late 70’s, hides behind jersey barriers and a fence that opens only during daylight hours.īeyond the semi-hidden entrance stands crumbling concrete walls, marked by spray-painted political statements, messages of hope, and even memorials to those who have passed. If you can’t find the entrance to Philadelphia’s Graffiti Pier at first glance, that’s on purpose. ![]() Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). ![]()
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