Recent Tagging in Little Tokyo Linked to MOCA Street Art Exhibit

An outbreak of tagging done recently at Metro's Little Tokyo Gold Line station appears to be linked to a graffiti exhibit running across the street at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. All of the tags were immediately painted over by Metro employees, according to LA Now. The Los Angeles Police Department say they have also been alerted about dozens of other tags that have shown up in the vicinity.The MOCA show, "Art in the Streets," is the first major American museum exhibit to focus solely on the history of graffiti and street art. It opened on Sunday, and runs through August 8th.

The exhibit, however, has inspired other street artists to contribute their work in the nearby community. Some business owners are concerned, and while they are not upset at the exhibit, they are hoping that museum attendees and would-be street artists do not show their appreciation of the art form on private property near the museum.

Jeffrey Deitch, MOCA museum director and co-curator of the exhibit says the facility has put extra security in place outside the museum.