For almost a decade Peter Quezada, a prolific self-taught artist, painted murals and lettering on buildings and retaining walls in neighborhoods northeast of downtown Los Angeles. He refers to his work as a -graffiti deterrent- or a -substitute for graffiti, - and he targets sites that are favorites of taggers and gang graffiti writers. Often he enlists their assistance and designs his murals to appeal to these youths as well as to discourage them from participating in antisocial behavior.

Highlighting the interplay of contemporary life, mass-media images that confront the public,...

Once little known outside of Haiti, Vodou flags (drapo Vodou), dazzling in color and imagery, have become popular commodities in the international art market. Works by such notable Haitian artists as Silva Joseph, Antoine Oleyant, and Yves Telemak now grace the walls of museums, art galleries, and private homes throughout the world.

The fascinating, colorful collection of drapo Vodou included in this book reveals the importance of Vodou flags in the Haitian culture. Shimmering with sequins and reflected light, they capture the attention of Vodou practitioners and art...

Santeria, also called Lucumi or Orisha Worship by its practitioners, originated in Nigeria among the Yoruba people. It took shape in Cuba during and after the slave trade and reached North America through Afro-Caribbean immigration. As the fastest growing African-based religion in the United States, Santeria has stimulated many publications, but none prior to this book noted the special significance of its art and artists.

In Santeria Garments and Altars, for the first time, two distinguished folklorists and practitioners of the faith focus upon the artistry of garments and...