Skip to Content
Art

Blu Mural Destruction ~ MOCA

This has been all over the art world news, but in case you didn't hear, Blu (an Italian street artist) had a commissioned mural on the wall of MOCA painted over before it was even complete. The reasons given by gallery director Jeffrey Deitch, that the mural might be offensive to the local community, were not convincing and we've yet to hear a good theory as to why the mural was destroyed. Above is the best picture we've seen yet of the unfinished mural before it was painted over. Credit: KORI. Click for a large version.

Blu commented on his blog:

some photos of the work in progress and a global view of the muralthe main idea is understandable but unfortunately the piece is not finishedI didn’t feel so motivated to spend more time on it once i learned that it was going disappear the day after.I am stupid but not masochist.

meanwhile a very interesting debate is happening on internetand, wonders of rhetoric, the word “censorship” magically disappearsnow you can call it a “curatorial choice”I almost totally agree with this interpretationit is, in fact, a CURATORIAL CHOICE that involves the CENSORSHIP of a mural.

still unsure? check the word definition

...

this time news are going faster than my blogi will make a short resume:

1. Moca asks me to paint a mural2. I go to L.A. to paint the piece and I almost finish it3. the Moca director decides to erase the wall4. on the next day the mural is erased by Moca workers5. journalists are still not sure if this can be called censorship so they start asking my opinion about that

more photos and updates soon…

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

U.S. 4th Circuit Allows State Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Adults ‘To Appreciate Their Sex’

The 4th Circuit has become the first federal appeals court to enforce laws restricting gender-affirming surgeries. “It is not irrational for a legislature to encourage citizens to appreciate their sex and not become disdainful of their sex,” Judge Julius Richardson said.

March 12, 2026

René Redzepi Exits Noma L.A. Amid Allegations, Protests, and Fleeing Sponsors

On Wednesday, the Noma head chef and co-owner announced his departure after protests broke out in Silver Lake.

March 12, 2026

Daily Memo: While ICE Lays Low, They’re Still Active While Building Up Its Fleet, Offices, and Detention Centers

ICE activity still continues at a slower pace, but it has not disappeared. This past weekend was a rare, quiet one. What we’re seeing is that ICE is laying low, sticking to courthouses, jails, and check-ins, especially from their special ISAP unit.

ICE Rams Vehicle and Hospitalizes the Same U.S. Citizen Again in Ventura County

"I expect this kind of lawlessness from ICE, I don’t expect the hospitals to be complicit in that lawlessness and detain people," says Thomas Harvey, one of Leonardo Martinez's lawyers, after the hospital refused to remove his handcuffs.

One of the Best San Fernando Valley Coffee Shops Owes Its Success to Argentine Culture

Mate has been enjoyed in the region for centuries, originally by the Indigenous Guaraní people and eventually spread by Jesuit missionaries. In time, the drink became a symbol of unity and togetherness since it is a common pastime in Argentina.

March 10, 2026

The Best Signs That Turned Tired Legs into Smiles at the 41st L.A. Marathon

Despite those who found street closures a nuisance, the overall consensus was that this city shows up for its people. In a time when community is most needed, supporters showed up with a level of commitment L.A. could use more of these days.

March 9, 2026
See all posts