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      These Downtown Los Angeles Towers Became a Graffiti Skyline

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      Skyscrapers in the heart of Los Angeles were a financial failure that many people had ignored — until graffiti artists tagged their windows.It was a billion-dollar aspiration meant to transform a neighborhood.A trio of shimmering skyscrapers would feature luxury condos, a five-star hotel and an open-air galleria with retailers and restaurants. Among the amenities: private screening rooms, a two-acre park, pet grooming services and a rooftop pool. A celebrity fitness trainer would help curate a wellness lifestyle for residents.The vision was called Oceanwide Plaza, and the chief executive said it would “redefine the Los Angeles skyline.” An executive for the design firm said it would create “a vibrant streetscape.” The website said it would be a place of “rare and unexpected moments.”All these statements, some would say, proved to be true. Just not in the way originally imagined.Funding for the venture quickly evaporated. The towers went up but were unfinished and empty. Plagued by financial and legal issues, the plaza was in a quiet limbo for five years.Until, recently, an underground community pulled it into an unforeseen spotlight.Now those skyscrapers have become a symbol of street swagger, “bombed” with the work of dozens of graffiti writers and artists. Their aliases cover windows that rise more than 40 stories, visible from the nearby highways.“Everybody’s talking about it, of course,” said Ceet Fouad, a French graffiti artist based in Hong Kong, known for his commissioned murals featuring cartoon chickens. “We said it’s amazing what’s happened — we dream to have a place like this. In the middle of Los Angeles? It’s the best promotion you can have.”We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      “Cherry Mouse” by Bordalo II in Lisboa, Portugal

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      Portuguese artist Artur Bordalo, known as Bordalo II, is renowned for his transformative street art creations. His latest work, the Cherry Mouse, unveiled at the Cor de Chelas Festival  festival, is a testament to his unique approach to art. Situated in Lisbon’s Estrada de Chelas neighborhood, the installation breathes new life into the urban landscape, bringing color and creativity to the community.Born in Lisbon in 1987, Bordalo II’s artistic journey began at an early age, inspired by his grandfather’s passion for painting. Drawing from his background in painting and sculpture, Bordalo II developed his signature style of creating sculptures from discarded materials found throughout the city. The Cherry Mouse exemplifies his commitment to using art as a platform for social and environmental commentary.Using street garbage such as scrap metal and plastic items, Bordalo II meticulously constructs intricate animal sculptures that serve as poignant reminders of the environmental impact of consumerism and pollution. Through his installations, Bordalo II seeks to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainability, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. As Bordalo II continues to push boundaries with his “trash art,” his work serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art in addressing pressing environmental issues. More

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      L.A. Skyscrapers Covered in Graffiti

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      The graffiti has brought attention to the empty buildings, which have been abandoned since 2019 and are across from the venue where the Grammy Awards will be hosted on Sunday.More than a dozen people broke into the Oceanwide Plaza skyscraper development in Los Angeles, covering the windows of the glossy, unfinished buildings with spray-painted colorful block letters that read, “Crave,” “Dank” and “Amen,” among other phrases, the police said on Thursday.The spray-painters made their way up multiple floors in the 40-story buildings, which were once set to be the tallest residential towers in the city, according to Forbes. It was not immediately clear how long the people were inside the buildings, or how they had entered, but the police were called about the graffiti on Tuesday.The buildings, which have been unoccupied since 2019, are across from Crypto.com Arena at L.A. Live, where the Grammy Awards are set to take place on Sunday.The Oceanwide Plaza project was intended to be a mixed-use space with retail shops, a hotel and luxury apartments, but the project was halted in 2019 after the developer, Oceanwide Holdings, ran out of money, The Los Angeles Times reported.The graffiti has only emphasized the unfinished buildings, which critics say are an eyesore and a source of frustration for many residents.Kevin de León, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, called on the owners of the buildings to do something about the vacant property.“The city of L.A. has already served the property owners in order to comply with a deadline instructing them to fulfill their responsibilities,” Mr. de León said during a news conference on Friday morning. He could not be reached for comment on Saturday.Stefano Bloch, a cultural geographer, a professor at the University of Arizona and a former graffiti artist, said the graffiti had helped draw attention to the incomplete project, while noting that the intruders did still break the law.“This is people taking it upon themselves to use a space that in many ways was abandoned by people with money and power,” said Mr. Bloch, who is a Los Angeles native.The police said that more than a dozen people had been involved in the graffiti incident. All but two had fled before officers arrived, the police said, adding that two men were cited for trespassing and then released.Those responsible for the graffiti might not face the same harsh legal repercussions as in the past, Mr. Bloch said. Decades ago, graffiti artists faced prison sentences, but now they are more likely to be fined for vandalism and trespassing, he said.“In the 1990s, there was this moral panic about graffiti being linked to gangs, but times have changed,” Mr. Bloch said. “Even if people don’t like it — and they’re entitled not to like it — they understand that graffiti is not connected to violence.” More

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      The shadow series by Levalet in Paris

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      Here is a collection of images from Levalet’s latest series, an ongoing project that the French street artist is delivering to the streets of Paris. The play between shadow and reality is evident in these life size paste ups, a gap between will and ambition, or simply between present and future of the subjects caught in a moment of their lives. Levalet is not new at all to a critical commentary on our society, over the years he has developed a personal style resulting from an acute observation of reality, while always maintaining a poetic and never cynical gaze.One of the defining aspects of Levalet’s art is its thematic depth. His creations touch on a wide array of subjects, including societal norms, human relationships, and the daily struggles of urban life. Each piece tells a story, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue about the issues he addresses.This “shadow” series can thus be added to one of the recurring themes of the topics he deals with,the exploration of human identity and the masks we wear in society. Through clever juxtapositions and visual metaphors, he challenges viewers to reflect on their own roles in the urban drama unfolding around them. Take a look at more images below and check back with us soon for more updates. More

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      A Glimpse Inside a Devastated Gaza

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      For a few fleeting moments, the two-story house on the edge of Bureij, a ruined town in central Gaza, still felt like a Palestinian home.Bottles of nail polish, perfume and hair gel stood untouched on a shelf. A collection of fridge magnets decorated the frame of a mirror. Through a window, one could see laundry, hanging from a neighbor’s washing line, swaying in the gentle breeze.But despite the trappings of home, the house now has a new function — as a makeshift Israeli military barracks.Since Israeli ground forces recently fought their way into this part of central Gaza, a unit from the military’s 188th Brigade has taken over the building, using it as a dormitory, storeroom and lookout point.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber?  More

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      “LA JOTA” Urban Postcards G085 by Giulio Vesprini in Zaragoza, Spain

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      Renowned street artist Giulio Vesprini has recently unveiled a captivating mural as part of the Asalto Festival in Zaragoza. Nestled in the enchanting “La Jota” neighborhood, this masterpiece finds its canvas amidst a place rich in history and architectural charm. La Jota, with its roots dating back to an ambitious 1947 housing project, was envisioned as a garden city, where modest-sized homes would be complemented by communal gardens or orchards.The visionary project aimed to provide affordable housing for local workers, with meticulous planning by architects José Beltrán and Fausto García Marco. The neighborhood’s name pays homage to the construction company, “Obras y Construcciones Damán,” situated on Avenida Castaluña.Giulio Vesprini’s contribution to this historic locale transcends traditional boundaries, adding a contemporary layer to La Jota’s narrative. Through vibrant strokes and imaginative design, the mural not only revitalizes the neighborhood’s aesthetic but also serves as a tribute to the visionary spirit of its post-war architects. As spectators traverse the streets of La Jota, they are greeted by a visual feast that seamlessly intertwines the old and the new, a testament to the enduring impact of art on community and urban landscapes. The Asalto Festival has once again become a platform for artistic expression, bringing together history, architecture, and modern creativity in the heart of Zaragoza.Photo credit: Marcos Cebrian More

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      Artist Retrospective: Tristan Eaton

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      In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary street art, Tristan Eaton stands as a luminary, celebrated for his awe-inspiring large-scale murals that grace urban landscapes worldwide. Born in Hollywood in 1978 and seasoned by a nomadic upbringing, Eaton’s journey from London to Detroit and finally to the bustling streets of New York at the age of 20 has indelibly shaped his artistic narrative. Eaton’s canvas, expansive city walls, bears witness to a synthesis of techniques, materials, and ideas – a harmonious marriage of the traditional and the avant-garde.Pow! Wow! Long Beach Festival, 2015Eaton’s artistic roots delve deep into the rebellious spirit of graffiti culture, evident in the freehand execution of his sprawling murals. From billboards to dumpsters, his troubled teenage years marked the canvas of the urban environment. Art, for Eaton, became a transformative force, steering him away from a tumultuous path. His journey led him to the world of designer toys, where, at the age of 18, he designed his first toy for Fisher Price, laying the foundation for his iconic status in the designer toy realm.Beyond the realm of street art, Eaton’s influence extends into the commercial world, consulting with global brands like Hasbro, Pepsi, and Nike. His role as a creative leader is further exemplified by his contribution to the renowned Dunny figure, a 3-inch tall Roto-Cast Soft Vinyl creation. Eaton’s artistic vision transcends geographical boundaries, with his murals adorning cityscapes not only across the USA but also in France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Mexico.Explore further below to see a curated collection featuring Tristan Eaton’s most exceptional works.Dallas, Texas, 2021Having taken on a sizable project, Tristan utilized an expansive 8,500 square foot canvas to paint a mural concept that paid homage to Deep Ellum’s roots and future. The inspiration behind this empowering mural was drawn from Dallas’ first Black architect, William Sidney, the dynamic music scene, the native fashion icon Jerry Hall, and the distinctive Texas armadillo. Tristan’s vision, inspired by these diverse elements, created a mural that honored the rich cultural history of Deep Ellum, capturing both its historical legacy and forward-looking spirit.New York, USA, 2020Collaborating with Montefiore Health System and Alto NY, artist Tristan Eaton crafted an iconic masterpiece commemorating the heroic endeavors of nurses and medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This striking tribute extends to healthcare workers globally. For those in the vicinity, the expansive mural can be found in Manhattan at 34th Street and 8th Avenue, serving as a testament visible to all in New York and beyond.Manhattan, New York, 2018In the mural above, Tristan Eaton made a return to NYC, leaving his mark on the iconic Bowery Wall in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Joining the ranks of esteemed street artists like Keith Haring, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey, Tristan, known for his striking collage style, seamlessly blended a vast color palette paying homage to NYC influences such as Haze and Seen. The mural, titled “Intermission,” captures the essence of Eaton’s artistry. Witness Tristan in action and marvel at the jaw-dropping final piece in the photos below.Detroit, Michigan, 2014In this project, Tristan Eaton was in Detroit, Michigan, having received an invitation from the Library Street Collective Gallery to create a new mural. Titled “Crime Fighter,” the American street artist swiftly crafted his trademark patchwork masterpiece, drawing inspiration from a 1960s portrait of his mother.New York City, 2015Eaton also actively participates in numerous festivals, both locally and internationally. In 2015, he immersed himself in Sweden for the 2015 installment of the No Limit Boras Street Art Festival. Taking to the streets of Boras, the Los Angeles-based artist efficiently brought to life this stunning new piece titled “Out Of Sight.” True to his style, Tristan crafted his signature patchwork imagery, incorporating a myriad of diverse images and intricate details.Last 2016, Our coverage of POW! WOW! Hawaii included Tristan Eaton. Titled “Aloha Dreamland,” the painting showcased Eaton’s distinctive patchwork style, with a subject matter rooted in the local context this time. The piece draws inspiration from the romantic allure that Hawaii holds for people, embodying a vortex of love and enchantment.Tristan Eaton’s prominence in contemporary street art is marked by expansive murals gracing global urban landscapes. Beyond street art, Eaton collaborates with global brands and leaves an indelible mark on cityscapes worldwide.Check out our #Tristan Eaton page for more stunning works from talented muralist! More

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      “Graffiti Art in Prison” by Martha Cooper & David Mesguich in Florence, Italy

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      In the early days of 2021, a personal encounter with the prison system opened doors to a unique opportunity. Gabriella Cianciolo, a professor at the University of Cologne, extended an invitation to become a speaker in the interdisciplinary “Graffiti Art in Prison” project, aptly named GAP. Eagerly embracing the chance, our protagonist proposed taking the initiative a step further by organizing a workshop within the confines of Florence Sollicciano jail.Sollicciano prison, like many correctional facilities worldwide, exists in a shadowy space on the periphery between two municipalities – Florence and Scandicci. Isolated from the city, it becomes a place forgotten, much like those left behind its imposing walls. During this period, a serendipitous encounter with the renowned New York-based photographer Martha Cooper occurred in a train yard while our protagonist was engaged in graffiti work. seizing the opportunity, Martha was invited to document the entire transformative process within the jail from 2022 to 2023.Our idea was to place art at the center of a dialogue between the past and the present, between often-forgotten individuals and the possibilities of redemption through artistic expression, says David Mesguich.An intriguing aspect of the project is the involvement not only of inmates but also of prison guards. Thus, the project becomes a true social experiment that aimed to break down mental and cultural barriers.We saw surprising human connections emerge between guards and inmatesduring an experience that transcended simple artistic creation, says a representative from the prison administration involved in the project.Teaming up with Martha for an entire year, the project aimed to fulfill promises made to the participants. In collaboration with workshop attendees, 3D scans of volunteer inmates were created, with the intention of using these scans for later sculpting. Surprisingly, a respectful relationship between some guards and inmates emerged, leading to the inclusion of a few guards in the scanning process. After extensive negotiations with jail authorities, permission was granted to create two large-scale installations on the jail fence at different times during the year.Choosing to portray the two most discreet participants – a police woman and an inmate – without disclosing their identities, our protagonist highlighted the shared humanity within this unusual place. Despite relentless attempts by the jail’s police commander to thwart the installations, the team persevered, successfully setting them up on time. The second phase involved the creation of murals – three by inmates with complete artistic freedom, followed by nine more by our protagonist. The murals featured portraits and sentences from both guards and inmates, deliberately obscured to challenge preconceptions.This immersive journey unfolded as a beautiful human adventure, marked by workshops and murals conducted by Martha, inmates, and students from the GAP project. The enclosed photographs by Martha Cooper serve as the sole remnants of this monumental yet ephemeral project. Their significance lies in being witnesses to a moment when fences were crossed, and differences were temporarily erased – a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and create connections in unexpected placesCheck out below for more photos of the project. Photo Credits: Martha Cooper, David Mesguich More