Painting, Bombing and Buffing L.A.’s Freeway Walls The Birth, Life, and Slow Death of the Olympic Festival Murals, 1983–2012

Stefano Bloch will discuss the birth, life, and slow death of L.A.’s iconic Olympic Festival freeway murals. His talk is based on in-depth ethnographic research conducted on the graffiti community and historical research conducted on L.A.’s Chicano and mainstream muralist traditions. Bloch argues that two decades of bad policy, belligerent graffiti abatement, and combative freeway bombers conspired to turn aesthetically inviting freeway walls into alienating beige eyesores. He will also be showing images from the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection and sharing excerpts from his personal archive of interviews, images, and reflections that focus on the appearance of L.A.’s public walls.

Sponsored by the Photo Collection and the Art, Music, & Recreation Department, presented by Photo Friends

Parking is available at 524 S. Flower St. Garage (show your LAPL library card at the Central Library’s information desk to receive a validation for reduced rates). Handicap accessibility available.