What used to be called graffiti by some has turned into what is now known as street art and has gained worldwide recognition. Although its’ mostly painted on the sides of building, bridges and walls around the city, it can hardly be referred to as graffiti anymore.
Today some of it is called “Chicano art” and often reflect bits and pieces of the Chicano culture. But it’s not limited to just the Chicano culture, there are artist from around the country who have contributed their work to the LA scene.
New local artists as well as prominent international artist have been drawn to the LA street art scene with some visually stunning results. Striking, colorful, insightful new murals have popped up all over the city. They come in all shapes and colors and the diversity of the neighborhoods in which they appear is matched only by the diversity of the artists that do the work.
The artwork that first began as mostly protest or social statement has grown into an avenue of expression for many other points of view depending on the artist. There are some even some works that have become part of Los Angeles street art tours that have recently become a tourist attraction.
Los Angeles with its’ cultural diversity has inspired many trends in music, fashion and art. Everything from sunglasses to the lowrider and hot rod culture can trace its root back to Southern California and back to Los Angeles. Street art is just another trend that like many others was started by individuals that just wanted to express themselves in any way they could, not knowing that it would become a world known phenomenon.
Street art like many other forms of expression was shunned at first but is now gaining world wide recognition for its’ cultural value and indigenous beauty.
