Chicago gang business cards

A blue cloth book with gold embossed elaborate title, it says Thee Almighty and Insane

 

Thee Almighty & Insane Chicago Gang Business Cards from the 1970s & 1980s is a wonderful journey into the dark realm of 70s & 80s Chicago gang vernacular. Mostly these were created on DIY machines in print shops, and hand amended or even fully hand created. They consist of a complex set of signs and symbols signifying allegiances, enemies, and activities. Some of these are racist and very nasty. However the book is a fascinating journey into DIY identity and subcultures. 

It's by Brandon Johnson, there's a great intro explaining them and the imagery and symbolism used on the cards. There's also great interview with him over at sixtysix magazine with some images of the cards he has framed on his wall.

 

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