Pacoima Public Art - Samantha Fausto

PHASE 1: THE SITE 

Pacoima Public Art - "Mural Mile", Van Nuys Boulevard 

The neighborhood I selected for my civil engagement project is Pacoima. Comprised of a predominantly Latino community with deep cultural roots, the art within the area shares a variety of outlooks and values within the community. My project focuses on Pacoima’s mural mile, which showcases murals along Van Nuys Boulevard. The mural mile is easily accessible, both on foot and by vehicle.

Click here to view the full interactive map

PHASE 2: FIELD WORK

Location: 13180 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of Lidia’s Beauty Salon

Artist: Juan Pablo Reyes (JP Murals)

Theme: The theme of this mural is raising awareness about child abuse, while also memorializing Gabriel Fernandez 

Who is represented or excluded: The mural represents Gabriel Fernandez, a young boy who was a victim of child abuse

Materials: Based on previous works by JP Murals, it is assumed that the mural is painted with acrylic paint

Sponsors: The mural was made in collaboration with the Gabriel Foundation, an organization that aims to raise awareness about child abuse and honor the life of Gabriel Fernandez. The mural is also registered with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs 

Inscriptions:

- “Gabriel Fernandez” 

- “As I sit in heaven And watch you everyday, I try to let you know with signs I never went away I hear you when you’re laughing. and when you sleep. I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away begging to have me home So I try to send you signs so you know you are not alone. Don’t feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me. Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait to see, So live your life, laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free!! Then i know with every breath you take you’ll be taking one for me.” 

- “Child abuse hotline 1800-422-4453”

- “Suicide prevention hotline: 988” 

- “JP Murals”  

Community Reactions: The community is deeply touched by this piece. On both Gabriel's birthday and his death anniversary, the community will gather to celebrate his life. As shown in the image I took, the community often leaves toys at the mural to pay respect to Gabriel as well. 

Location: 13161 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of Stylesville Barbershop

Artist: Kristy Sandoval in collaboration with HOODsisters, an all-female art collective

Theme: The original theme of this mural was women's activism. It aimed to encourage the community to fight against social oppression, and suggested that risks are worth taking because they can result in freedom. Since the mural was placed, it has been altered. However, it's unclear who swapped the word "struggle" for "revolution!" and why. As it stands, the mural's theme now seems to suggest taking immediate action towards freedom, rather than the original idea of being a part of a long-term fight for it.  

Who is represented or excluded: The mural honors the life of Assata Shakur, and the struggle for women's rights and social justice

Materials: This mural consists of acrylic paint on an exterior wall 

Sponsors: This mural was created by an all-women art group called HOODsisters

Inscriptions: 

- “ A womyn’s place is in the (“struggle”) revolution” 

- “Assata Shakur”

- “freedom fighter” 

Community Reactions: Originally, the writing on the mural said "A Womyn's Place is in the Struggle". However, when visiting the piece, I observed that the word "struggle" was replaced with "revolution!!". This change suggests that the mural sparks conversations within its community and inspires individuals to share their own messages. 

Location: 13433 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of the Artesanías Típicas Mexicanas building

Artist: Levi Ponce 

Theme: This mural pays tribute to music legends Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper, who died in a plane crash in 1959, alongside the pilot, Roger Peterson

Who is represented or excluded: The mural represents Pacoima native Ritchie Valens, along with the fellow music artists Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Roger Peterson, the pilot. The mural also represents the connection to music that Pacoima has

Materials: This mural was painted with acrylic paint 

Sponsors: It is uncertain if this mural had any sponsors 

Inscriptions: 

-“The Day The Music Died”

-“Artist: Levi Ponce”

- “Assistants: Isidro Candelario Leo Tejeda Monica Cano Erica Friend”

- “Thanks, 

Jaime Rodriguez

R&R Auto Sound

Bobo

Pacoima Beautiful

Artesianias Miexicanos

Heather, dear.

Richard the Mailman 

Raymundo Medrano 

Efrain & the skaters

Javier Martinez

iamsanfernando.com

Mama Hayes

Rafael Serrano” 

Community Reactions: This mural is another within the community that is widely respected. Since it was made, the mural has stayed in excellent condition and has maintained its vibrant visuals

Location: 12959 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of a building near the corner of Tamarack Ave

Artist: HOODsisters, an all-female art collective

Theme: The mural highlights the importance of honoring ancestral origins by celebrating Indigenous heritage and roots

Who is represented or excluded: The mural aims to represent the Indigenous communities within the San Fernando Valley, more specifically the Tataviam people, and their contributions to the area. 

Materials: This mural was painted with acrylic paint on the exterior of a wall

Sponsors: The mural was funded through community support, however, there are no specific sponsors associated with the piece 

Inscriptions: 

-“Honoring Our Origins”

-“Toypurina was an indigenous Tongva medicine womyn native to California that led a rebellion against San Gabriel Mission.”

-“Honrando Nuestro Origen”

-“Toypurina era una curandera indígena Tongva de California. Ella encabezó una rebelión contra la Misión de San Gabriel” 

Community Reactions: The community reactions to this piece are a little mixed. For the most part, it is highly respected and appreciated. Indigenous people have gone for countless years without the recognition they deserve. This mural highlights their contributions. However, there is a bit of tagging that could mean there is an individual or individuals who don’t appreciate the work.

Location: 13043 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of a building near the corner of Tamarack Ave

Artist: Levi Ponce 

Theme: The theme of this mural is cultural pride. The mural celebrates Danny Trejo as one of his widely known characters, Machete. The characteristic of Machete himself symbolizes strength and resilience, which aligns with Latino culture. 

Who is represented or excluded: This mural represents the local Chicano community, and it highlights the success of Danny Trejo, a Mexican American actor. The mural also reflects the pride the community has in its Latino roots and the desire for its success stories to be represented.

Materials: The mural consists of exterior mural paint

Sponsors: This mural was funded by Levi Ponce himself, because at the time of its creation, painting murals was illegal in Los Angeles

Inscriptions: The mural does include inscriptions. However, the inscriptions were illegible from the only perspective I was allowed to view the mural in. 

Community Reactions: The community respects this mural, as it is in great condition and often photographed. Danny Tejo is also known for being actively involved with his community and other smaller, lesser-known communities (like the one I live in), which makes the community feel prideful and accepting of his story and success. 

Location: Bradley Avenue, near the “Decolonized” mural, Pacoima, CA 91331, on the side of a residential building

Artist: Unknown

Theme: This piece celebrates anime and pop culture, more specifically Dragon Ball. It also incorporates local and sports references like the LA Cap and the Dallas Cowboys Star.

Who is represented or excluded: The street art represents anime and sports fans, as well as pop culture enthusiasts. However, because these interests are not common amongst everyone within the community, it excludes those who do not like these topics. 

Materials: This graffiti piece uses spray paint 

Sponsors: The sponsors of this piece are unknown. However, because it was in a residential area, it might have been commissioned by the homeowners. 

Inscriptions: 

- "Ducky's est 2016"

- "Clotee" 

- The wording of the graffiti behind the characters is difficult to decipher, however, it is meant to say something

Community Reactions: The graffiti is in pristine condition. Unlike others in the area, this piece is free of unwanted additions or exclusions to the art piece, which suggests that it is well-received and respected by the community in which it is placed. 

PHASE 3: CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

In my opinion, the art in Pacoima’s mural mile accurately represents the community in which they are created. Pacoima, a predominantly Latino neighborhood, is surrounded by art that showcases Hispanic icons, religious beliefs, and the detailed history of Hispanic culture. A vast majority of murals tell the success stories of influential figures. For example, while visiting the mural mile, you will see artworks of La Virgen, Danny Trejo, Vicent Fernandez, Frida, and more. Aside from the artworks that depict important individuals, other murals highlight everyday Hispanic people, who represent the community and its culture. Along with this, the Pacoima Mural Mile pays honor to Pacoima natives, its indigenous roots, and the lives of individuals like Gabriel Fernandez, a young Hispanic boy whose tragic death from child abuse heavily impacted the community. 

There are a couple of different approaches when it comes to funding and deciding the art in Pacoima. Some murals, like the Gabriel Fernandez mural, are created in collaboration with organizations that fund and support artwork that raises awareness on important social and political issues. Like the Gabriel Fernandez mural, they can also be registered with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, a city agency responsible for supporting and promoting artworks across Los Angeles. On the contrary, many murals are funded by the artists themselves. Levi Ponce, the artist of the Danny Trejo mural, and more in Pacoima, funds his projects himself, which includes covering labor and materials. Lastly, some murals heavily rely on community support and fundraising. A good example of this is the “A Womyn’s Place Is in the Struggle” mural, which was made in collaboration with a collective of female artists, thanks to the community and their donations.    

Along with the beautiful murals displayed along Van Nuys Boulevard, there is a large quantity of street art that goes unnoticed. Big in size and visible from afar, the murals are hard to miss, but the streets surrounding Van Nuys Boulevard are also filled with art. In the residential area of Pacoima, there is a wide variety of beautiful and vibrant graffiti. Oftentimes, stretching along the entirety of a street, the graffiti showcases the interests of the community. The street art ranges from things like Dragon Ball, Milk and Mocha, La Virgencita, and more colorful and fun designs. Though unfortunate that they are not equally recognized as the murals, the graffiti art is just as impressive. Another great thing about the graffiti is that it is mainly the community that organizes where it is placed and how it is funded. 

The artworks in Pacoima are in pristine condition. Many of the murals that I have chosen to showcase have suffered little to no vandalism. Those that have often included a change to the initial meaning. Though many of them are clean and bright in color, they are in no means perfect condition. As the years progressed, the corners of the murals began to chip, and the markings of the artist's name washed away. Most of the murals have experienced natural deterioration, rather than human-inflicted damage.

PHASE 4: PROPOSAL 

The reason I chose to highlight Pacoima in my civic engagement project is because of my personal connection to the neighborhood. Though it is not where I grew up, I have always held Pacoima close to my heart. As a Mexican-American, I take pride in my cultural roots and enjoy surrounding myself with communities that celebrate cultural diversity, and more specifically, Hispanic heritage. Visiting Pacoima brings me a sense of pride and belonging. The art reflects the stories of people the Latino community admires, as well as our interests and beliefs. Whether it be a Dragon Ball Z mural or a Mural of La Virgen, the art represents our people, allowing us to feel seen. 

I thoroughly enjoy that the artworks in Pacoima accurately represent the community that they are in. When I initially visited Pacoima to photograph the murals, I noticed that many of them were well-maintained, vibrant in color, and free of vandalism. I believe that this demonstrates that the art is of importance to the community and well-respected. I also really like how the murals cater to the predominantly Latino community. I think it’s beautiful that the art highlights the minorities in its community and surrounds them with figures that they look up to. A vast majority of these murals depict Latino figures and their success stories. It’s important that the community acknowledges the success of individuals similar to themselves, so that they feel encouraged to dream and motivated to try something new. I was also pleasantly surprised that there was a mural dedicated to the neighborhood’s Indigenous roots. More often than not, indigenous history is overlooked or erased. I was reminded that public art is more than a painting, it’s a form of preserving important histories. Large in size and hard to miss, the murals can be seen while driving by or on foot. Visiting the mural mile, you are bound to find a piece that speaks to you.

Though I loved visiting the mural mile, I did find it difficult to fully capture and enjoy certain pieces because they were hard to access. Most murals are on the exterior walls of buildings, which are easily accessible and free for everyone to enjoy. However, some murals are painted on the back of buildings that are only accessible through the parking lot, which isn’t always open to the public. I found myself struggling to photograph the Danny Trejo and Decolonized mural for this reason, which is something that I find a little disheartening. Aside from that minor detail,  I wouldn’t say there was much else that I disliked. 

While I loved the Latino-inspired murals, I acknowledge that there is room to include other cultural perspectives. I think that it would be beautiful to bring a variety of different cultures together, to be depicted in one big mural or even smaller individual murals. I would also like to see a variety of different artists working on the pieces in Pacoima, especially local artists. Though the mural mile showcases multiple beautiful pieces of artwork from some of the same muralists, I would encourage other artists to come forward and share their work. Another thing I would like to see is more murals like the Gabriel Fernandez mural. The Gabriel Fernandez mural not only advocates for child abuse victims, but it also acts as a place of gathering, where the community comes together to celebrate his life. Murals made in collaboration with organizations that advocate for human rights and other social issues should be common, especially in an area that is surrounded by art. As for where I’d like to see future art pieces, I think the main roads would be perfect. A lot of the murals at mural mile are already on the exterior of walls, however, they are often on the side or back of buildings. I think Pacoima would become much more of a tourist neighborhood if the art were more front and center. To see most murals, you have to turn on a certain street, which isn’t necessarily bad, but could still be improved