The Beat of Urban Art
The Art of Justin Bua
By Justin Bua
(Harper Design, Paperback, 9780061734991, 160pp.)
Publication Date: May 2009
Other Editions of This Title: Hardcover
Categories: Individual Artist, Popular Culture - General, Popular Culture - General
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Groundbreaking artist Justin BUA is internationally known for his bestselling collection of fine art posters—The DJ being one of the most popular prints of all time. Staring in the world of commercial art, BUA designed and illustrated myriad projects, from skateboards and CD covers to advertising campaigns. He developed the look and feel of the opening sequence for MTV's Lyrist Lounge Show, EA sports video games NBA Street and NFL Street, and the world of Slum Village's award-winning music video, "Tainted," among others. His line of apparel and his limited edition sneakers sold out completely. His energetic and vocal worldwide fan base ranges from former presidents,, actors, musicians, professional athletes, and dangers to street kids and art connoisseurs.
In The Beat of Urban Art, BUA lays out his unique vision, melding urban rhythms, graffiti, and classical art training. This visually arresting book is about his life, his work, and the birth of Hip-Hop. As we follow BUA through his turbulent youth, navigating he streets and underground worlds of the urban jungle, we recognize the powerful evolution of BUA's distinct style—"Distorted Urban Realism."
Following in the footsteps of the great masters, BUA represents the lives of the revered and the marginalized, the heroes and the underdogs of his time—New York City during the 1970s and 80s. With an autobiographical narrative illustrated with photographs, drawings, sketches, studies, and explanations of how many of his paintings were created, The Beat of Urban Art takes you into the head of the modern-day Toulouse-Lautrec.
Justin Bua is a groundbreaking innovator in both the fine and commercial art worlds, his iconic The DJ being one of the most popular and bestselling prints of all time. An internationally acclaimed artist, he exhibits his work around the world. Born and raised in New York City, Bua currently lives in Los Angeles.
“Whether celebrating hip-hop’s underground or reinterpreting cultural imagery ... Bua[’s] work challenges the mainstream art world’s images.”
-Vibe
“Bua’s stylish renderings jump right at you, hit you between the eyes with their energy.”
-Elmore Leonard, bestselling author
“Bua does not do urban art—he is urban art.”
-Sole Collector











