Civic Engagement Project- South LA

 Civic Engagement Project- South Central LA, CA

Civic Engagement Project- South Central LA, CA

Art 3170: Whose City? Public Art, Power, and Representation In Los Angeles 

By: Kala Trotter

Phase 1: The site - South Central LA

I decided to choose South Central Los Angeles where I was born and raised. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles I have seen all sorts of art from murals, Graffiti, paintings, etc. many of the murals created here Los Angeles were made many years ago and we’re created by artists of color. Whose main purpose is to spread cultural pride, Representation, and evoke emotions. The Los Angeles art world Is constantly evolving intertwining traditional forms with experimental expressions.

South Central Los Angeles is one of the biggest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, it is very diverse mainly with Hispanics and African-Americans. Many are middle class families or low income. Over the years, Los Angeles has became gentrified and art plays a complex role in this. Many artists and art galleries are transitioning into a less expensive area. This is to help attract new audience and businesses. On the other hand, this can increase the property value and rent prices , which can leave many with nowhere to go due to high payments that are unable to be paid.

Personally, this project helps me think deeper about art. It makes me question what audience is this are trying to reach. And what was going on in the artist’s mind that convinced them to make this creation?

Phase 2: Field Work- Mapping South Central LA Public Art

To document the artwork in South Central Los Angeles. I took pictures along Western Ave, Slauson Ave, and Crenshaw Blvd. I focused my attention more on murals on buildings, Graffiti, Unique designs, and new art that has been recently put up.

1. “Strong Like A Madre” (2021)

This painting was created by a very talented urban art group, Lapiztola, Who travel from their home in Oaxaca, Mexico.  This mural Was made with three different shades of blue and it illustrates a Hispanic mother carrying her child while being surrounded by black birds. It also appears to look like some type of design in the background or maybe mountains, as if she was traveling from one place to another. This mural represents the strength of mothers and Appreciating them for everything they do. This mural is fairly still new, And its condition is still in great shape and its stands out with its bold colors.

2. “For Red Carpet Systems In South Central Los Angeles” (2023)

This mural is located on Western Boulevard and 60th St. It was created for the red carpet system A marketing agency Here in Los Angeles. It was recently created in the year 2023 by the art of chase who has created over 550 walls worldwide. The mural itself was created using different colors and showcases palm trees one of the things that LA is most known for. It has several designs Including eyeballs. Lastly, it has a cartoon hand holding a sign that says I love South LA. This mural represents the love for living in LA, community pride, support for those living in south LA. The colors are still very vibrant and bold. It stands out and I believe it most definitely catches the attention of those who drive or drive walk past it.

3. “The Heart ot Hyde Park” (2019)

This mural is located on Crenshaw Blvd and Slauson Ave  on the US Bank building. It was recently created in the year 2019 by Moses Ball. The mural was created using a variety of colors like purple and blue, it is very vibrant and showcases many notable people and different symbols. It has a pattern of squares of 4 with different shades of the same color. This mural represents and pays tribute to the business owners, activists, and residents who once lived in the Hyde Park Area. These activist and artists have once had a vision of maintaining its neighborhood by purchasing local businesses and making efforts to beautify the Crenshaw District and the community. The color is still very visible and bold. It’s continues to leave a powerful message to the African American community and educate them on past history. 

Phase 3: Critical Analysis- Patterns of Representation in South Central LA

After walking through South Central LA and photographing & documenting several murals, I noticed how different generations of art share their story and perspective on what the neighborhood is and how it is evolving every single day. 

Art in South LA represents the diverse communities and other cultures that call South LA home. Most of these creations highlight the themes of social justice, which take care of the issues of inequality and discrimination. It also serves as a message for community empowerment, encouraging unity among other community members. Most of the art in South LA looks back on significant history, which recognizes different individuals, events, and movements that have transformed many neighborhoods in LA. This can teach the younger generations many things that happened in the past and can encourage them to become the next leaders to make a change in the future. Histories centered around representation in South LA mainly focus their message and attention on celebrating Black culture and identity by looking back on the involvement, struggles, and resilience of many Black individuals through murals and illustrations that look back on the heritage and experiences faced by Black individuals. Another history is to reclaim spaces in Los Angeles, transforming untouched and displaced areas into creativity with a variety of colors and interesting details and designs that showcase the diversity and creativity of South LA. Government agencies, private organizations, and sponsorships can fund the art that will be put up. Public art commissions, community input, artist panels, and government approval have the authority to decide what type of art will be showcased in the city or in the community. This is to ensure that there is a variety of financial alternatives. The decision-making process's main focus is to have the community participate in voting, including art experts. Its big focus is to make sure that art is meeting expectations and catches the interest of viewers.

- “Strong Like A Madre” : celebrating and appreciating the strength and flexibility of mothers from all backgrounds, in the mural It represents the Hispanic community Which explains the important need for family and having a support system.

- “ For Red Carpet Systems in South Central Los Angeles”: The mural is showcasing and expressing hope, Success and the presence of businesses and facilities in the area. It is also expressing its love for LA, the beauty of it and it’s famous backstory.

- “ The Heart Of Hyde Park”: The mural is taking in the nature and spirit of the Hyde Park Neighborhood, representing Steppingstones, Cultural elements, And community individuals that describe its identity.

These murals Altogether showcase patterns of representation by acknowledging community individuals, demonstrating local identity, and addressing social and economic obstacles that many residence and family face in the city of Los Angeles, mainly in the area of South Central LA as it has been seen as an area where many families come from low income backgrounds or middle class families, depending on the family’s background, and where they stand in the social economic hierarchy.

Phase 4: Proposal

Something that I’ve seen in my community that I really liked is this movement that started a couple years ago in the Crenshaw District called Destination Crenshaw. It is a 1.3-mile open-air museum and cultural corridor along Crenshaw Boulevard; they celebrate Black Los Angeles through art, design, and community. It is a permanent monument to creativity, resilience, and belonging. I really enjoyed this because it’s really enjoyable to see things that weren’t there a few years back, and it’s just crazy to see how the area where I grew up is evolving every day through the new generations and what they have in mind to make LA become a better place through creativity. One thing that I do dislike about seeing Los Angeles is all the trash that is everywhere. From parks to sidewalks. Where many people are seen traveling and going about their day. Trash and poor conditions can definitely engage with people's willingness to interact with the art in Los Angeles. Many might feel unsafe due to the poor conditions and how unkempt the area is. Trash can be a big distraction as someone is trying to look at the art. It can all be in the background or in the eyesight of the person. This shows how careless they are and that there is no value for the area, which can cause people to visit the area less.

New art placement recommendations:

• grocery store in the entrance way

• Local and community parks

• Churches

• Bus stops and train stations

• Interactive art (walk through, touch)

Theme recommendations:

• Nature & environment

• Younger generation

• Mental health

Artist selection guidelines:

• diversity & inclusion

• Transparency

• Community collaboration/engagement

Art has the ability to spark imagination, start conversations, and remind us of our purpose in life. Believing in art is an investment in our communities, cultural energy, and economic development. By giving artists permission to create these significant murals, interactive and thought-provoking creations. We can change normal spaces into remarkable destinations. This creativity will not only beautify our environment but also grab the attention of visitors and better local businesses and demonstrate a sense of pride and belonging amongst community members. We must work together to make art a fundamental part of our cities' identity, which transforms many lives and shapes a brighter future for everyone.

Resources:

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (2021, April 27). El Pollo Loco launches Mother’s Day “strong like a Madre” grant initiative to help moms pursue their dreams. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/04/27/2217859/0/en/El-Pollo-Loco-Launches-Mother-s-Day-Strong-Like-A-Madre-Grant-Initiative-to-Help-Moms-Pursue-Their-Dreams.html

Longoria, A. (2022, November 8). The heart of hyde park (2019). ART WITHOUT BOUNDARIES. https://www.artwithoutboundaries.art/up-against-the-wall-la/the-heart-of-hyde-park 

South Central los angeles - murals. The Art of Chase. (n.d.). https://www.theartofchase.com/new-blog/tag/south+central+los+angeles 

Manickarajah, T. (2024, August 11). Nipsey Hussle Crenshaw murals: Pics + what you need to know. CHIP Lifestyle. https://chiplifestyle.com/2022/03/31/nipsey-hussle-crenshaw-murals-pics-what-you-need-to-know-2/ 

RestaurantNews.com. (2021, May 4). El Pollo Loco launches Mother’s Day “strong like a Madre” grant initiative to help moms pursue their dreams. https://www.restaurantnews.com/el-pollo-loco-launches-mothers-day-strong-like-a-madre-grant-initiative-to-help-moms-pursue-their-dreams-050421/