Walls that Speak: Public Art and Identity in South Central Los Angeles
PHASE 1: THE SITE
For my civic engagement project the neighborhood I decided to do was South Central, Los Angeles. Growing up and living there my whole life South Central has always been this place that has so much life and community This is because of how the environment there is very diverse with a lot of African American and Latino minority groups residing there. Because of this there is a huge boom of cultures blending and mixing together creating a place where food, fashion, music, pop culture, and art are all thrive. For those who aren't aware South Central has had a a rough history as a neighborhood overlooked and ignored because of its bad reputation. But over the years it has changed and evolved into something that has blossomed for a lot of people to come and appreciate. I had always been drawn and intrigued by the people who lived there and the art they make. This can range from high scale murals, graffiti, and street-art. The expressions of ones history and personal story from living in this neighborhood is narrative that is creatively interesting as we all have our own narratives through our own perspectives. So how is it translated and represented when an idea is brought into the real physical world?
PHASE 2: FEILD WORK
I was able to go out and do my ow field work by researching and documenting the different art Ive seen around the neighborhood. It was a very fun and enjoyable experience as for many of us they are just things we happened to pass by when either driving, on the bus, or even walking by. We don't usually go out of our way and stop and admire the art like if we were in a traditional gallery.
Name: "Strong Like A Madre"
Artist: Lapitzola
Year: 2021
Painted Mural
Location: El Pollo loco on South Vermont and Slauson
This is a mural painted on the side of a El Pollo Loco down on South Vermont that was funded by el pollo loco and another organization. Their goal was to represent not just single mothers but Latino moms who have always waned to chase their dreams. This was part of a mothers day campaign at the time they were doing. It seems like it was made using regular wall paint, but what really interested me is the use of only cool colors. In this case a ton of blue hues and whites, I think this was intentional as their theme and concept was to represent hope ,which those colors are usually associated with towards the moms. The community reaction is that thye like it as it gives this warm and heartfelt feeling of family and how family is strong.
Name: South Central Dreams
Artist: Unknown
Year:2016
Painted Mural
Location: Slauson
This was a mural painted on the side of Slauson on a brick wall. There is no information whether if it was funded or not. From what I could gather It looked like a group of artist or someone independent did this work on their own. Made from spray paint it captures that street art aesthetic you would see traditionally in regular graffiti works. Its pretty clear that its representing youth Latino groups within the neighborhood. Highlighting the rich history of the multiracial community presented, the message of "south central dreams" comes off as a powerful indicator of what people in the neighborhood think of. Conceptually and thematically it all fits together, showcases itself as a window to the type of lifestyle these people participate in within the urban environment as a product of our current modern era. I think the community reaction is a bit mixed. On one hand it makes people feel a bit unsafe and angry that a figure depicting a stereotypical "gangbanger" is being displayed front and center. It is something people in the neighborhood don't like and have had to deal with for a very long time. But on the other hand some people are ok and fine with the mural as it presents a way of non demonizing these people and allow there to be conversations of acceptance and forgiveness, no matter how you may look or act.
Name: "The Elixir"
Artist: Patrick Henry Johnson
Year: 2011
Painted Mural
Located: Crenshaw
This mural is located down the street on Crenshaw boulevard near the Crenshaw Plaza. This was something that has been around for more than a decade, even being around when I was younger. This was made by an artists named Henry Johnson whos goal was to represent the healing power of community, culture, and history. More specifically African Americans residents in that area as its predominantly them who stay in that part of South Central. It was commissioned and funded by the city as part of the "Destination Crenshaw" art project. Other than it being made out of paint there seems to be some script and stencil work within it. I think this is really cool as its a blend of mixing different styles and mediums. I think the artist did a good job in representing the message and themes of the mural. The community reaction to this is very positive as a lot of people enjoy and appreciate the mural. It has become some what of a popular landmark in the area that everyone loves.
Name: "Forgiveness"
Artist: Mike Norice
Year:20
Painted Mural
Located: West Slauson
Made from paint and acrylic markers this mural located on the side of old rail tracks in West Slauson was made by local LA artist Mike Norice. The mural was made independently by Norice, wanting to contribute and do something all on his own to show that people can have the ability to do anything. The message and representation of the artwork is about needing an outlet and a helping hand when it comes to the youth of the neighborhood. Presenting them with healthy and positive outlooks in life in order to stray them away from a life of crime, drugs, and gang activity. I think this is a really powerful and important theme to showcase in the neighborhood as that is a issue that has plagued it for so long. It is a history that's presented but is also changing for the better as the years come. I would say the community reaction is that they like it, it being placed in an area that is pretty much deserted and empty brings a sense of life to the area that people enjoy.
Name: "Black Panther/Chadwick Boseman Mual"
Artist: @era_one
Year: 2020
Painted Mural
Located: Western Avenue
This mural as we can see is of late actor Chadwick Boseman who played famous roles like Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Black Panther/T'Challa. I found this mural awesome and interesting as it goes in some away against traditional portrait murals. What I mean by this is that how even though it is for a real life person its also representing a fictional character, a superhero. While there isn't that much information about it artist who made it who goes by @ezra_one on Instagram who specialized in painted murals definitely had a motive. I would say his theme and concept with this was to showcase a figure that people in the community looked up to. Black Panther himself being a black super hero definitely inspired and gave hope to people that they too can become someone and something great. Mentioning before how the people in the neighborhood come from a majority minority demographic there isn't that much representation of them in big media. So to put a figure like this front and center shows how much of a importance and impactful person this is to people in the community. Which is why I think the reaction of the community is very heartwarming and enjoyable as they saw Chadwick as a role model for them and everyone.
Artist: Menace & Resa
Year: 2022
Painted Mural
Located: South Normandie Avenue
Now this mural is one that I have seen everyday whether I'm either going to school, work, etc. as its right down the street from where I live. From what I could gather it was sponsored and commissioned by a group called Smile South Central, they work with residents and business owners to lend their building walls to put artwork on it. Its part of a ongoing movement to beautify South Central with more public art. The artist who made it Menace & Resa are a graffiti artist couple from New York. They travel the world together creating art that can hopefully uplift the world according to them. It was made from spray paint and acrylic, giving it that street art look to the whole thing. Tying in the vibe and aesthetic of other south la artwork. It represents the community and families that live in the neighborhood, which it being on the side of a family mart makes it all come together. Those types of stores and small liquors are all around the area and are places people go to buy groceries. Its a essential part of the environment there so its a acknowledgement on both ends where the community appreciates those stores and the stores appreciates the people. I think the community reaction is that its spectacular and eye catching, from the bold colors and figures there is something everyone from there can relate to.
Name: "Community"
Artist: Erin Yoshi, Carlos Sosa, and Thitiwat Phromratanapongse
Year:2023
Painted Mural
Located: Slauson
For my last and final public art mural I wanted to look at one that was made more recently over the past 2 years. The mural which is also located on Slauson was sponsored and commissioned by St. Johns wellness center. It is on the side of one of their facilities located in the neighborhood and was made by a joint effort of three artist named Erin Yoshi, Carlos Sosa, and Thitiwat Phromratanapongse. The goal and representation of this piece is to bring awareness and highlight everyone in the neighborhood. With big bold letters spelling out "community" it's a huge commentary on how the people who live in that area make south central what it is. It makes it so everyone can see themselves within the mural as minority and other ethnic groups in the neighborhood don't get represented at all at times. From young kids to old folks, everyone gets a chance to shine on the mural. It was made from paint and acrylic markers with the attention of it blending it with the other street art murals in the area. I think the community reaction was positive, as many people find themselves liking the mural and how pretty it is. It not only makes the neighborhood more lively but it also enforces people to feel that they are all connected and united as one in South Central.
PHASE 3: CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Overall when it comes to my critical analysis of the public art there are a few points I would like to make. I think when it comes the representation and diversity of the public art in South Central a lot of people that are being represented in the public realm are the people who live in the neighborhood. This would include minorities, gangsters, public figures, and pop culture icons that people resonate with. It is very multicultural and inclusive, wanting to showcase and make everyone feel apart of the community. The historic and social narratives are definitely present as there are concepts and themes tackling things like segregation, gang violence, and immigration. All which have been evolved and turned into something more positive because of the art. Highlighting South LA's histories from the past till now as things are starting to change. Then when it comes to funding and sponsored art around the neighborhood there isn't really a lot of it. While there were some that I had mentioned, majority of the public art you see is made by either one or a group of individuals all on their own. This in a way is a interesting discussion on how who gest the say on who and who cant make art. So I think its really cool how seeing the art that's displayed all around is made by people like myself or in someone relate to me, all having a connection within that environment. There is a ton of thought, meaning, and love being put into all of these works of art that to me as a resident but also an artist can really gravitate and fully appreciate the importance of it all, especially for South Central.
PHASE 4: PROPOSAL
When it comes to the public art in the neighborhood I really liked how diverse and creative it was. From representing people in the community (Latinos and African-Americans) to showcasing abstract and fictional icons, there was something interesting how it all related with each other in some way. It was nice knowing that my people and everyone else around me was being displayed and loved. Now there is some issues and recommendations I have when it comes to all this. One is I wish that there was more funded and sponsored public art, more specifically from the city itself. There is definitely a show of favoritism and catering towards other neighborhoods in Los Angeles, especially ones that are more wealthier and that have a white or Caucasian population. I just think while they put more effort, time, and energy into already funded areas that they should focus on the places that truly need the help and resources. Giving and showing appreciation to the neighborhood as much as its residents do. Another thing is as I was doing my field work I didn't see any sculptural work at all. I think this is a missed opportunity as there are many sculptures and 3d works of art in public spaces in other parts around the city but not in South Central. Having more of that type of medium in public areas would really be interesting and engaging to see how the people of the community interact with a work of art that is physical and not just a mural painted on the side of the wall. It would invoke discussions and conversations that would bring more people together. There is already a plethora of murals, street art, and graffiti so having sculptural installs would be nice. So to summarize, more funding and resources by the city and to have more sculptural instillations around the neighborhood to have a variety of different of public art.
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