Skip to Content
tumblr_oa6l9f3Aua1van7sto1_1280

It's easy to say that L.A. street artists like Plastic Jesus, Teachr, and a new one I recently discovered called "iSYS" are courting controversy to get their name out there, but I find them refreshing in an era of safe street art that ignores the political roots of graffiti. Yes, some of the messages are obvious and some of the artistry can feel forced, but at the very least these local artists and those like them around the world are making a strong statement and taking the streets back from the corporate interests who dominate the public sphere.

Apple's messages dominate the billboards of LA, but what do they do for the world? Their ads are about empowerment but really what they want is your money and your attention. They turn your data over the Feds, and in the case of Snowden they provided even more than what the government was asking for in their rush to cooperate. If there is going to be empowerment, it's going to come because of us, not because of how corporations want us to behave with their products.

tumblr_oa8dzlJpLA1van7sto1_1280

One thing the iPhone has done that is inarguably positive is help shine a much-needed light on police brutality. The ubiquitous camera phone mean the official story can't be a complete lie like in the past, and that's what I like about this street art campaign by iSYS. The images he chose are shocking and brutal, all while using the visual language of mass-market outdoor advertising.

tumblr_oa6lkdgCtQ1van7sto1_1280

The other utility boxes by this artists are eye-catching if not as powerful as the police murder images, but are still something that will break up the monotony of your standard grey utility box. What overall message this artist has for us I couldn't say for sure, perhaps something about how the dreams the world has versus its reality are very far apart, but you wouldn't know it if you trusted corporate messaging.

In any case, I applaud his use of the public space to make a political statement, something we've seen less and less of though the last few years, just when we need it most.

tumblr_oa8d5kiRhP1van7sto1_1280
iSiP019(1)
iSiP016

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Everything Wrong with Tesla’s $500 ‘Mezcal’

"Mezcal has become a commodity for many, without any regard for the earth, [or] for Indigenous people's land rights," says Odilia Romero, an Indigenous migrants rights advocate from Oaxaca and the executive director for CIELO. "Oaxaca is also having a water access issue.

December 20, 2024

This Weekend: Sonoran Caramelos, Brisket Tteokbokki, Mex-Italian Fusion, and Country-Fried Tofu

Plus, Malay-style wings, a collaboration pizza-topped with Philippe The Original's French-dipped beef and hot mustard, and more in this week's roundup.

December 20, 2024

More Than 70 People Reported Feeling Ill After Eating Oysters At L.A. Times ‘101 Restaurants’ Food Event

Ragusano is disappointed that the L.A. Times didn’t publicly disclose that there was an outbreak at their event. “Obviously they’re not going to print it in their paper,” Ragusano said. “But they‘re a newspaper and newspapers are supposed to share the news. This is how people usually find out about something like this,” she added. “It's ironic because it happened to them.”

December 19, 2024

The 38 Best Books of 2024

Like listening to music, reading is an activity that recharges the spirit. It offers a chance to unplug for an hour to fill your soul and slow down. Here are 38 ways to free your attention span from doom scrolling and algorithms.

December 18, 2024

A Trucker’s Oasis For Peruvian Chicharrón Sandwiches, Leche de Tigre, and Camote Donuts In Vernon

Their chicharrón sandwich is the best $10 you can spend in the beautiful city of Vernon. This mom-and-pop shop opened by a couple of retired truck drivers is a bonafide strip mall gem in Los Angeles, overlooking the L.A. River, too.

December 17, 2024
See all posts