Muralism, Graffiti, and Gentrification in Los Angeles: Nuances of a Radical Imagination

Abstract Graffiti and murals are primary visual art practices that expand public art as research and bring forth a radical imagination challenging the authority of social institutions. This article provides a more nuanced analysis on the history and practices of graffiti and muralism in Los Angeles. As a form of community-based arts research, this brief survey of public art pieces outlines the trajectory of a contemporary socially engaged art form. The rich collaborative practices among graffiti artists and muralists continue to face challenges amidst the process of gentrification. The co-optation of a collaborative art practice that arose as a part of social movements is further examined as a poignant tool in the gentrification process. Placed in the context of ongoing housing crises and economic redevelopment projects, graffiti and murals play an intricate role in resisting (and contributing to) the forced displacement of families. The purpose of this article is to provide an example in critical visual arts research, with aspirations to produce more radical imaginations through collaborative practices.