Downtown LA Arts District

"The DTLA Arts District exhibition examines contemporary & modern styles of work inspired by graffiti, cubism, and caricature influences. This area, the eastern side of Downtown Los Angeles, used to be known in the 1980s for its abandoned industrial buildings and at that time it was occupied illegally by artists. Local artists gathered for impromptu art installations, theater, live music, poetry readings, happenings, raves, and blowout parties. Many of the activities happened around Bloom’s General Store, the beloved institution named after Joel Bloom, the first advocate for the community and who is remembered as its first and only unofficial Mayor. It was at this time when artists began to paint murals in the neighborhood, attracting other artists and their friends to create amazing artworks that caught the attention of other creative people (TV & film industry). Young professionals willing to pay high prices began to move into the vibrant DTLA Arts District, a thriving place where cafes, boutiques, and restaurants are opening at a fast pace  everyday. Inexpensive lofts and studio buildings are giving way to new condos. DTLA Arts District remains home to a great number of artists who, together with LA’s film and TV industry,  are working to preserve the artistic character of the neighborhood. On any given day while mural tours are offered by The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA), national and international artists can be spotted painting artworks in different styles and media, adding to the rich cultural vibrancy of the place.” (Isabel Rojas-Williams, executive director, The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles)

Untitled, Vyal & Risk, 2014, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, El Mac, Kofie, Nuke, 2015, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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American Hotel Mural, Nuke, Black Light King, Ofier, Aise, 2015, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Calendar Stone, Daniel Dodd, 2002/2004, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, Insa, 2012, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Every Piece of Ivory Comes from a Dead Elephant, Damon Martin, 2012, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Resurrect, Noni Olabisi, 2012, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, Vyal & CBS Crew, 2009, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, Mr. Cartoon & EL T Loko, 1999, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Undiscovered America, Earth Crew, 1992, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, Swaze, Relax, Else, 2009, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Welcome to Hollywood, Kim West, 2009, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Untitled, Christina Angelina, Ease, Sek, Mar, 2014, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Heartship, How & Nosm, 2011, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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I was a Botox Junkie, Tristan Eaton, 2014, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Beautifully Destroyed, Risk, 2012, From the collection of: The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
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Credits: Story

Photo Copyrights
Executive Director - Isabel Rojas-Williams
Office Manager - Carlos Chavez
Volunteer - Ian Robertson-Salt
Mural Tour Coordinator - Jerusha Barnes

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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