Where it’s okay to spray
Until there was sanctioned graffiti in Los Angeles, alacrity and efficiency were hallmark talents of any street artist who succeeded in getting their work up without being caught for vandalism. Graffiti as art was a new concept for LA in the 1980s and 1990s. It drifted over from New York, where writers had been making so-called subway art since the 1970s.
At “the Pit” in Venice Beach, once a giant expanse of concrete walls, picnic tables, and pavement, graffiti was happening with joyous insouciance because even though spray-painting the walls was illegal, it was unofficially tolerated; the colorful creations suited the edgy, artistic vibe of the neighborhood – that is, until 1999, when almost the entire site was demolished. The fact that any walls still stand is testimony to the devoted passions of local advocates, including In Creative Unity, a graffiti production company, which fought successfully to preserve the Pit’s 25-year street-art legacy.
Info
Address Just west of 1800 Oceanfront Walk, Venice, CA 90291, +1.818.446.6787, www.veniceartwalls.com, info@stpla.org | Getting there Paid beach lots and metered street parking | Hours Sat & Sun, 10am–until 1/2 hour before sunset| Tip Stroll the Venice Canals (located at Carroll Court and Eastern Canal Court, Venice, CA 90293) – their uncanny resemblance to the famous canals of Italy’s Venice is quite a treat.
Before the community succeeded in legalizing graffiti on the walls, there was a regulating presence among contributing artists. Established writers could cover more prominent and larger spaces, while the newbies, or “toys,” needed to prove themselves as deserving. It was a competitive move to paint over someone else’s work. Currently, the walls are managed and curated by the STP Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting public art. Anyone can graffiti the walls so long as they have a permit and wear it at all times. Permits can be obtained on-site or online through the STP Foundation’s website. Minors may not spray, but they can use a paint roller or brush to make their mark.
With toes sunk into warm sand and an unobstructed view of the glorious Pacific Ocean, visitors can be rebellious punks and spray the day away, or just admire the bright and expressive writing on the walls.
Back
To the online map