GRAFFITI ALLEY
A legal wall paradise in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Painting in Graffiti Alley 2023
Cambridge’s hub of Urban Art
Graffiti Alley, formally named “Modica Way,” is the perfect space for artists seeking legal walls in the Greater Boston area. Located in the heart of Central Square, Cambridge, MA, the Alley is home to two 80 ft walls where creators are free to explore their craft. For the last 15 years, Graffiti Alley’s colorful corridors have been covered over and over again. They are constantly changing as artists from all over flock to display their own styles and ideas. The Alley offers a vibrant canvas to the ever-evolving urban art scene in Cambridge and stands as a testament to the city's dynamic street art culture.
4 Tips for first-time alley artists
Whether you’re new to or seasoned in the art of painting walls, a first visit to Graffiti Alley can be intimidating. Here are some tips to get you started:
Pack lightly. For first-timers, it’s often best to start simply. There is no need to pack a suitcase full of spray cans, brushes, and paint jars. Go with what you need. Go with what you know. Of course, if you already have a plan and complex piece in mind, you might want the extra materials - especially if you’re from out-of-town and don’t have the privilege to visit more than once. Regardless of how much you bring, if you arrive at the Alley and realize need additional paint or supplies, don’t panic; there’s a Blick Art Materials just a two-min walk down Mass Ave (at 619 Massachusetts Ave).
Take public transit or rideshares. Parking near the hotbed of Mass Ave can be a bit chaotic. While there are definitely some good nooks and crannies to find decent spots in (particularly on Essex St.), Central Square meter-maids love to dole out parking tickets. Unless you’re good at keeping track of your parking time, avoid parking out there if you can. Even if you only go a few minutes over your paid parking period, you’re almost guaranteed to get a ticket. Because Greater Boston has a decent enough transportation system, it is generally easier to take a train and/or bus to the Alley. If public transit isn’t your speed, there are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts ready for you. NOTE: On Sundays parking is free, and there is no time limit. For those who public transit or rideshares don’t make sense, you can park without fear of tickets on Sundays.
Be mindful of where you choose to work. Though all spaces are free game, Graffiti Alley has a culture of etiquette. When you see a clean piece, be respectful. Don’t be scribble and run; make your mark worthwhile. If you’re not ready or willing to contribute something of value, find a messy spot to practice worry-free. An example of a messy spot could be a section made of disoriented tags or a piece that has already clearly been marked up.
Don’t overthink it. One of the best parts about Graffiti Alley is its ephemeral nature. When you paint something, it could be there for as little as eight minutes or as along as eight days. For many, this impermanency takes off a lot of pressure. You are free to practice and make mistakes.
My personal Journey in the Alley
Graffiti Alley is where began my own journey as a professional mural artist. It provided me with a safe space to experiment with larger canvases, new methods, materials, and motifs. Before my first go at the Alley, I had only used a spray can a handful of times. The artist regulars were extremely talented; so making my first mark was intimidating. I eased myself into it by using cans to make simple lines. I also employed other media like spray bottles filled with watered down acrylic paint for a dripping effect. Sometimes, I would use brushes or sponges for blending and cleaning. Though I am now comfortable with a can, I still love to use use brushes, sponges, and the drips in most of my work.
Another part of my early experimentation involved using the letters of previous painters’ tags as the building blocks for my work. Before starting on a section, I would take a look at the messy overlap of words and names as soft or sharp shapes and use them to “find” a face or design. From there, I would draw out what I had “seen” or take off in a different direction depending on how it started to look. (See images above.)
This method always came out looking more like a doodle - definitely more raw and messy than any drawing I would do in a sketchbook. They weren’t bad; they weren’t good either. At least to me. One thing was for sure, they stood out and enough so that people who frequently walked by would mention they’ve recognized me from my past work.
Get your dose of urban art
Venturing through Graffiti Alley not only immerses you in the heart of Cambridge's street art scene but also connects you to a collaborative space of urban creativity. It's a must-visit for artists, art lovers, and those looking to experience the city's cultural vibrancy firsthand.