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Aaron Brothers' Artrageous campaign is actually sparking some genuine outrage in some corners of city hall.
As a part of a back-to-school promotion, the company is showcasing the work of prominent street artists at live events and offering free "graffiti starter kits" to attendees.
Those kits are what have really riled up councilman Dennis Zine. Yesterday he introduced a resolution to the city council asking Aaron Brothers to stop the campaign that he says glorifies vandalism — never mind that the so-called "graffiti starter kits" don't even have the right materials to launch would-be Shepard Faireys or Banksys. The kits themselves are little more than cleverly marketed markers and paper.
“I am appalled at this gimmick,” Zine said, in a statement. “In my role as a city councilman and a LAPD Reserve Officer, I spend a lot of time and energy eradicating graffiti from the streets of Los Angeles. This promotion is an assault on our community and sends a devastating message to our youth.”
City Attorney Carmen Trutanich chimed in too, saying, "The Aaron Brothers Art store promotion appears to celebrate activity that threatens the quality of life for our city’s residents simply for commercial gain.”
The press release didn't share whether the city councilman or attorney had any opinion on MOCA's "Art in the Streets" show this spring.
