AURA_2 Graffiti Journal by Laki 39
The first, very limited edition instalment of Aura a few years ago was super impressive, so on hearing that Aura_2 was in the pipeline I was immediately looking forward to it. The good news is that Aura_2 does not disappoint. This production from Laki 139 is a real labour of love. The layout is clean and well designed and in terms of its look it sits somewhere between a proper bound book and a very good graf zine. This gives it a certain charm, but while being professionally made, Aura_2 still manages to maintain a solid underground feel. Most importantly, with it having been compiled, written by and featuring writers who are actively involved and who know what they’re talking about, this book feels really ‘real’.
Apart from the way this book looks, what makes it special is the excellent and unusual line-up of writers featured. Those included are mostly UK-based, but there are a few choice European heads too: Risko, Mash One, Boms, Wons, Attai, Smash 137, Creak, Rainman, Disko 73, Paw One, Odisy and Shoe. There are photographic features on Lisbon, retro Dutch banana trains and the Bucharest subway scene as well as plenty of train action from Risko, Creak, Rainman, Disko 73, Serm and Erps among others. Aura_2 also features various wall styles including Paw One’s hard Berlin funk, Mash One’s super human clean styles. Illustration from Odisy and calligraphy from Amsterdam legend Shoe.
The photos are really captivating as they expose events and areas only generally visible and accessible to those directly involved. From train action to underground tunnel spaces. Among my other favourite sections are the Bucharest subway missions by Rainman, Creak and Disko 73. The stories are funny and a great accompaniment to the flicks.
Aura_2 is an excellent production and due to the original quality of the content stands out from the crowd. You won’t have seen most of this stuff anywhere else. Plus, with Aura_2 being limited to only 1000 copies worldwide, it’s something you should get your hands on quickly or honestly, you’ll have missed out. –Sami Montague
For more images and information go to: www.laki139.com/aura
