[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]rtists Stephen Zeigler and Calder Greenwood gave downtown residents a living installation inspired by the classic film They Live, with signage and actor dressed as an alien in a business suit as seen through Roddy Piper's magical glasses that reveal the truth of existence. From the film's official description:
They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. THEY LIVE.
A rugged loner (RODDY PIPER) stumbles upon a terrifying discovery: ghoulish creatures are masquerading as humans while they lull the public into submission through subliminal advertising messages. Only specially made sunglasses make the deadly truth visible.
Shepard Fairey credits the movie as a major source of inspiration: "They Live was... the basis for my use of the word 'obey'. The movie has a very strong message about the power of commercialism and the way that people are manipulated by advertising."
As a tribute to the film with some of the same messaging in mind, Zeigler/Greenwood's guerrilla performance weirded out business people and security guards as they popped up in various locations. Check out the "moment of realization" from the film, where OBEY is revealed as the essential message of the ruling aliens.
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
Here’s What an L.A. TACO Membership Gets You and Why You Should Support Local Journalism
With more than 30 members-only perks at the best L.A. restaurants, breweries, and dispensaries waiting to be unlocked, the L.A. TACO membership pays for itself!
Announcing the TACO MADNESS 2024 Winner: Our First Ever Three-Time-Champion From Highland Park
Stay tuned for the new date of our TACO MADNESS festival, which was unfortunately postponed this last Saturday due to rain.
What To Eat This Weekend: Cannabis-Infused Boat Noodles, Thai Smashburgers, and “Grass & Ass”
Plus, a pizza festival and a respected chef from Toluca, Mexico comes to Pasadena to consult for a restaurant menu, including enchiladas divorciadas, and more.
Facing ‘Immediate Layoffs,’ L.A. TACO Launches Membership Drive to Save Our Publication
After Sunday, we do not have enough money to make another payroll. We need 5,000 members to become sustainable. Our deadline is April 26th to hit this goal.
This New Koreatown Onigiri Spot Is Unlike Any Other in Southern California
Supamu, which started as a food truck and a series of pop-ups, brands itself as Southern California’s first Okinawa-style onigiri. What sets its onigiri apart from competitors? All the details are in the post, plus where to find it.
