The Chosen Few

Více o knize

This intriguing visual title delves into the underbelly of football fandom, showcasing a vast photographic archive of fans' graffiti and street art captured by a pioneering 'graffitologist'. At the intersection of street culture and sport, it explores how racial, ethnic, and class tensions manifest in visual expressions. On the fringe of sports culture are the Ultras, notorious for their pyrotechnics, chants, and hooliganism. Award-winning author Mitja Velikonja presents selections from his extensive archive, featuring hundreds of photographs of Ultras' street art, from elaborate murals to stickers and spray-paint duels, introducing readers to the visual iconography of this compelling subculture. The Ultra community is primarily composed of anonymous men whose fervent loyalty to their teams, particularly in Europe and post-socialist states, can sometimes veer into nationalist and militaristic extremism. Velikonja examines general trends in street art and tifo club graffiti, focusing on fans from Slovenia and the influence of neighboring supporters during the Balkan Wars. He also analyzes political and socially progressive graffiti, local trends, and its role in the United States. By unraveling layers of misinformation, Velikonja enhances our understanding of factional mindsets shaped by political instability, arguing that dissensus is vital to democracies. Ultimately, he reveals that while ultra-fans are often under siege