Urban art lover, Los Angeles is a treasure with its outdoor arts overflow. The walls of the city are constantly changing and evolving in every neighborhood. At every corner, you can catch a unique art piece. As I explored the city over the past two years, I discovered many murals and still continue to do so. I realized that the list of urban walls is endless!

Also, I want to share my top 10 murals you need to see if you visit Los Angeles. This selection reflects my favorite murals, those which I particularly appreciate thanks to their colors, styles, and ideas.

An excellent starting point for an urban art hunting/treasure tour and a perfect way to explore this amazing city.

 

#1 Love Wall by artist Curtis Kulig

Location: Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera Street, Culver City, CA 90232

About the mural: New York-based artist Curtis Kulig started spreading the love with a campaign featuring the words “Love me.” Since, his iconic paintings can be seen in many big cities all over the world like Los Angeles, New York or Paris.

Curtis Kulig website: http://www.curtiskulig.com/

 

#2 Cages by artist Sandra Chevrier

Location: John’s Liquor, corner of Vermont and 25^th, Los Angeles, CA 90007

About the mural: This mural was the first of Sandra Chevrier in the United States (she is actually based in Montreal). The face of this woman is covered by a mask composed by a comic book collage. Sandra Chevrier is highlighting the similitude between women and superheroes. Both are idealized but, behind the mask, there are vulnerable.

Sandra Chevrier website: https://www.sandrachevrier.com/

 

#3 RetnaWall by artist Retna

Location: 625 N San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069

About the artist: Marquis Lewis was born and raised in Los Angeles. In 1996, inspired by a lyric in one of Wu-Tang Clan’s song, he chose his artist name Retna.

His work is clearly identifiable by his unique style represented by a specific alphabet. The letters combine influences from Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Arabic, Asian and Hebrew calligraphy, and graffiti.

Retna website: http://www.redeyeretna.com/

 

#4 Pacoima Art Revolution by artist Levi Ponce

Location: 13349 Van Nuys Boulevard, Pacoima, CA 91331.

About the mural: Levi Ponce transformed the iconic “Mona Lisa” to “La Adelita,” the symbol of a soldera (woman warrior) during the Mexican Revolution. With her sombrero and dagger, “Mona Lisa” embodies the fight for art. Indeed, when Levi Ponce painted it, murals were illegal in Los Angeles.

Levi Ponce website: https://www.leviponce.com/

 

 #5 by Angels Wings by artist Colette Miller

 

Location: Left: 7769 Melrose Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046 / Right: Angel City brewery 216 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

About the mural: In 2012, Colette Miller started the Global Angels Wings. She painted angels’ wings worldwide: the U.S.A, France, Cuba, Australia, Kenya, etc….. The purpose of this project is to remind humanity that we’re all Angels of this Earth. Since then, angel’s wings murals have been spreading everywhere. What a better place than Los Angeles, the city of angels, to experience it!

Colette Miller website: http://www.colettemiller.com/angelwings

 

#6 Iguana by artist DJ Neff  

Location: 12525 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

About the mural: Los Angeles based and Florida native artist DJ Neff was “born as a graffiti artist, trained as a designer, and let loose on to the world of advertising […].” (Source DJ Neff website). In an interview with Creators, he declared: “I think street art is important for society because it gives anyone a chance to have a public voice if they want [..]. It creates a dialogue between an artist and his surroundings […].”

DJ Neff website: http://www.neffink.com/about/

 

#7 Starry Knight by artist Rip Cronk

Location: Ocean Front Walk at Wavecrest Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90291

About the mural: This mural is a homage to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” paintings.

Rip Cronk website: http://www.rcronk.com/homepage.html

 

#8 Kobe Bryan by artist JC Ro

Location: Shoe Palace, 7725 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

About the mural: Long Beach artist JC Ro paid a tribute to the legendary Lakers player, Kobe Bryan. This homage is related to Kobe’s last game with the Lakers on April 13, 2016. JC Ro’s style is recognizable by its triangles composition and this urban wall is not an exception as it is composed of 413 of them!

JC Ro website: http://jcro.bigcartel.com/

 

#9 by artist Wrdsmth

 

Location: Left: 7663 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 / Right 2101-2105 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 (on the sidewalk, next to the parking structure)

About the artist: Cleveland native artist WRDSMTH worked in advertising in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles to pursue writing. In 2013, he started his WRDSMTH work distinguishable by a typewriter stencil with an inspiring text above. Messages are about love, motivation, and humor. His pieces are spreading all around the city and even worldwide.

WRDSMTH website: https://www.instagram.com/wrdsmth/?hl=en

 

 #10 Untitled by artist Tristan Eaton

Location: 3D Retro, 1851 S Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201

About the artist: Los Angeles native artist Tristan Eaton began pursuing art when he was a teenager. From London to Detroit, Los Angeles and New York, he expended his art throughout diverse projects. For example, in addition to his outdoor murals, his art can be seen at the MoMA (permanent collection).

Tristan Eaton website: https://tristaneaton.com/

 

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