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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Graffiti Rules!

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All photos © / Pesky Humans

I drive the 101, 110, and 10 freeways on a daily basis. Since a lot of my freeway time is, thus, spent in heavy traffic, I have had ample time to check out the vast spectrum of graffiti decorating the otherwise bleak domain of beige, gray, and black that is the hallmark of LA's freeway system, river basins, bridges and streets.

I have come to respect and admire the work of these artists, who risk arrest and mortal danger in a quest to become famous on a local, regional, and sometimes international level. Surrounded by the film, TV, and music industries, graffiti artists in Los Angeles have got to be some of the most honest and inspired entertainers currently practicing their craft.

Sure, there are a lot of toys getting up, but there is some seriously amazing shit out there. Los Angeles is awash with throw-ups, and tags.

This is the first of an ongoing series of graffiti photographs that I will be posting on LAist. Click here for the whole gallery, featuring 38 photos. Here are some favorites.

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