Tony Silver Collection

Tony Silver

Tony Silver (1935-2008) is perhaps best remembered for his documentary “Style Wars” (1983), one of the first accounts of New York graffiti and hip-hop culture from the early 1980s. “Style Wars” helped to define and legitimize street culture in New York, providing a counterpoint to the status quo. His other documentaries include “Anita Ellis: For the Record” (1980) and “Arisman: Facing the Audience” (2002). Silver began depositing materials in 2004 and continued to do so until his death in 2008. The Tony Silver Collection consists of over 100 film and video items, primarily from “Style Wars,” including many compelling outtakes.