Traveler…conspicuously tucked between two buildings, this “Traveler” pulls attention away from the flaws of its wall.
The word I would use to describe what it’s like to live in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles is, interesting. Not in a “that beet juice soup tastes interesting“, or “your hand-made dress is interesting“, way…more like “Wow! That is interesting!” Seriously, I would have never thought I’d find myself in a neighborhood, just a stone’s throw away from Skid Row, using this word, but there I was. It’s called “The Art District”, just a few miles east of downtown LA, and boy, if their walls could talk.
Funny thing, they almost do. With so many blank canvases found on a plethora of old, closed-down factory brick buildings being refurbished into posh industrial lofts, it’s no wonder graffiti artists are taking advantage of these free-to-express-yourself-spaces. What’s cool, too, is that the results are quite spectacular and are being welcomed and admired by the new clientele and curious passersby (like us!).
I knew you would enjoy their designs as much as I did, so I brought back some images that reveal a revitalized energy now happening in this neck of LA’s woods. I’m hoping you’ll really find them interesting.
Hipster Monkey is perfectly painted at the entrance and exit of the Urban Radish‘s parking lot.
Hipster Monkey close-up…the detailing is quirky and captivating and features the artist’s obvious talent.
Corrugated siding is not easy to paint, let alone capture an urban weasel…but, low and behold the artist accomplished 16′ x 40-something foot brilliance.
Black and white graffiti actually pops against the urban landscape. This dinosaur bones piece seems to eerily, yet perfectly merge two ages…the Jurassic with modern industrial.
Dinosaur bones close-up…spray paint mastered.
This parking lot locomotive (of the Urban Radish) extends the entire wall of this building, transforming a typically utilitarian space into an outdoor museum.
Angels wear wings and hoodies. We actually saw people walking around wearing wings and hoodies. They give assistance to neighbors in need.
All photography by Skaie Knox, HomeJelly