Graffiti : writing the backstreet story across urban space in Don DeLillo’s underworld (1997)‎

Abstract EN

In Don DeLillo’s Underworld (1997), the representation of urban space plays an important role in explaining certain realities about New York City.

First,this space is saturated with the lights of the advertisements that vehicle what is known as the consumer culture.Second, beneath the shining space lies the Bronx, a marginalized underworld.Seemingly, this neighborhood is abandoned by the city.

Nevertheless, Ismael Muñoz and his friends try to draw the city’s attention to the condition of their neighborhood through their graffiti art.

Interestingly, this arttravels across space on the surface of trains.

So this article’s objective is threefold: first, it discusseshow the public space becomes a site for the expression of the consumer culture.

Second, it shows the marginalization and the urban decay of spaces like the Bronx, as a direct outcome of the capitalist system.

Finally, it discusses the role of Graffiti in communicating the lamentable condition of the neighborhood outside its boundaries