Graffiti Pier: A Gathering Place for Creatives
Written by Greg Cohen
Photos by Greg Cohen & Ana Candelaria
For over 30 years, Graffiti Pier, a former coal depot located in Philadelphia down by the Delaware River, has been a haven for graffiti artists, musicians, and other creatives. Everyone simply ignored the no-trespassing signs and fencing to tag, fish, and create art. Built nearly a century ago it was called Pier 18. It was abandoned by its owner, Conrail, around 1993. Soon after, artists flocked to the six acres of concrete pillars along the dock, and surrounding land, and the name Graffiti Pier took hold.
As a photographer, I often visit Graffiti Pier to capture the vibrant alternative scene in Philadelphia, particularly within the Shibari community—an ancient form of Japanese rope tying and bondage. The site presents a stunning visual fusion of powerful street art and intricate creative practices. My goal when photographing there is to blend the inspiring energy of the ever-evolving graffiti with edgy, collaborative subjects, ultimately elevating both.
Everyone simply ignored the no-trespassing signs and fencing to tag, fish, and create art.
In recent years, a large housing development has been built along the riverfront, featuring over 700 units that resemble warehouses, encroaching on the very edge of Graffiti Pier. Prices for these units start well above $500,000, and many new residents are unhappy with the pier’s current condition. And, in late July, a 10-20 foot section of the pier collapsed into the Delaware River, intensifying discussions between Conrail and a potential buyer, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, about refurbishing the site into a public park with designated areas for graffiti artists. The sale could happen as soon as this November.
What will become of Graffiti Pier as discussions continue on how to save it? While I’m uncertain about its future, I worry that it may lose the edgy, rebellious spirit that makes this place so special to many. These next few weeks may be the last gasp of a renowned location for nonconformist creatives.
Greg Cohen is a photographer living in Philadelphia, PA
Website: www.gregoryscohen.com
Instagram: @idiosyncratic.artist