Being new to Los Angeles, I have become interested in finding little pockets of neighborhoods. I live near the Los Angeles Art District and became interested in the juxtaposition of the artists who are living in this area, with the rapid development of lofts and new housing.
I don't know much about the area, but from what I can see there are lots of everything: fencing, barb wires and vacant lots. But along with that are areas where artists are putting their stamp on anything standing still. From political posters to graffiti on the walls, stickers on stop signs, the artists seem to be trying to make this neighborhood their own.
It's odd to pair such a freewheeling enterprise with the expensive housing that's starting to crop in; while walking around, I noticed signs advertising apartments or lofts for either rent or sale.
Although there are a few central areas of human activity -- particularly around Groundworks, the local coffee shop -- the neighborhood is usually empty. There are often tons of cars around, but not many people walking about. On the weekends when the local architecture school isn't in session, the area seems like a virtual ghost town. The vacant lots feel emptier, the streets more barren than usual. This neighborhood is both vibrant and dull, filled with rich and poor -- which makes it all the more interesting.
[song: "Paid In Full" | Eric B & Rakim]
[song: "Paid In Full" | Eric B & Rakim]
By Zachary Gale
October 5, 2008 6:43 PM
So much creative graffiti! I think my favorite slides were the phone booth with the posters on the wall and the Mona Lisa drawing on the side of that structure. Where is that?
The only thing I might have wanted to see more of is the expensive housing/lofts in the area.
I liked the moving picture effect -- didn't know you could do that with the demo.