LA seems to attract high-quality, inventive street art. If you enjoy contemporary art and you believe that it can live anywhere, not only in a gallery or museum, you will love LA.
To appreciate street art fully, it’s usually best to see it in person. Having a helicopter, however, sometimes helps.
Here are some examples of street art that you should see – and experience – if you’re in LA.
Arts District
Area code 213
Check out the eastern edge of Downtown LA, and you’ll appreciate the growing street art scene here. You’ll find numerous art galleries here, as well as old buildings re-used creatively and, of course, murals and street art.
If we pick out one piece from the district, it’s “A Bear in LA.” Head to Jesse Street & Imperial Avenue, and you’ll be confronted with the 15*35 foot grayscale bear, sleeping peacefully despite the urban bustle.
Elephant and Peace Dove Mural – West Hollywood Library
625 N San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood
This mural was created by artists Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, and RETNA.
If you know your street art, you’ll know that the calligraphy here is typical of RETNA, while Scharf will have had fun creating the cartoonish creatures.
If you don’t know your street art, however, this is a great place to start.
Love Wall – Smashbox Studios
8549 Higuera Street, Culver City
By New York-based artist Curtis Kulig, you might have seen “Love Wall” before. If not, look out for it all over social media on Valentine’s Day.
Better still, visit this street art in person, but you might have to queue to take your selfie in front of it.
Street art is art that you can experience. If you’re lucky, you live with it too.
Head to these destinations in LA to enjoy some of the most creative and ambitious street art in the world.
