1984 Olympic Freeway Murals

MCLA

By The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Jim Morphesis Monument (1984) by Kent TwitchellThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

A tribute to artist Jim Morphesis as part of the 7th Street Altarpiece. This piece faces a complementary mural of Lita Albuquerque done by the same artist. Restored by MCLA in 1989 and 2011

Luchas del Mundo (1984) by Will Herron IIIThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

3' x 3' concrete blocks (trompe l'oeil of Olympic monograms). Superimposed over them is a computer graphic-style screen with wrestlers competing, and helicopters spraying Malathion over La Placita in Olvera Street

Hitting the Wall (1984) by Judith BacaThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Female marathon runner crossing the finish line, breaking through a wall. Restoration by SPARC completed January 3, 2013.

James and Spectators (1984) by Richard WyattThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

"James and Spectators" by Richard Wyatt

Eyes on 84 (1984) by Alonzo DavisThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Three suspended cloth-like forms give the illusion of tapestries on the L.A. landscape. Combining culturally specific and universal elements (ie., heart, trombone, pyramid), each panel attempts to reflect local cultures. Restored by MCLA in 1992

Going to the Olympics (1984) by Frank RomeroThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The broad strokes found in this tribute to L.A.'s car culture were accomplished by the artist's use of a broom instead of a brush. Restored by MCLA in 1991 and 2013. 2013 restoration made possible by donations from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Wells Fargo Foundation, and Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

LA Freeway Kids (1984) by Glenna AvilaThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Located in sight of the Children's Museum.The girls featured in the mural are named Misty, Yuriko, and Jennifer. "Margaret Garcia worked on the oldest girl, Misty, who is African-American. John Valadez worked on the blond girl in the purple and white striped dress, Jana, who may be the next figure to be revealed. And I believe Eloy worked on the little basketball player, Gabriel. It's hard to remember because we were also moving around on the different figures at the same time, depending on who showed up that day." -Glenna Avila. Restored by MCLA in 1991 and 2012

Unity (1984) by Roderick SykesThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Colorful melange of faces and athletics

Cityscape (1984) by Terry SchoonhovenThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Altered Los Angeles skyline with the Parthenon, Roman Coliseum, and other classical sites in the foreground

Galileo, Jupiter, Apollo (1983) by John WehrleThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Pieces of Classical Greek sculpture and architecture float past planets in this space landscape. Restored by MCLA in 1995 and in 2015

Lita Albuquerque Monument (1984) by Kent TwitchellThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

A tribute to artist Lita Albuquerque as part of the 7th Street Altarpiece. This piece faces a complementary mural of Jim Morphesis done by the same artist. Restored by MCLA in 1989 and 2012

Credits: Story

Photos © Robin Dunitz

Credits: All media
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