Issue: Issue Summer 2009

Hollywood: Mural Capital of Los Angeles

By: DH
  

Hollywood enjoys an array of murals that provide diversion to the urban streetscape. Eloy Torrez “Legends of Cinema” graces the front of Hollywood High’s Auditorium on Highland Ave. Last year with the assistance of the Community Redevelopment Agency and Jimmy Kimmel, is a full figure north facing panel depicting alum John Ritter.

 

 

Across the street, George Sportelli’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin,’” shows Nancy Sinatra. Up at Las Palmas, just south of Hollywood Blvd. is Sportelli’s latest “Frank Sinatra” repainted just last fall when the original Hollywood & Vine site was demolished. His “Tony Curtis” which can be seen by southbound drivers on the Hollywood Freeway. Often hit by taggers, the artist keeps an eye out for his work removing the defacing marks.

 

Thomas Suriya’s “You Are The Star” on Wilcox just south of Hollywood Boulevard, is one of Hollywood’s most recognized murals. A favorite photo site for visitors, painted in 1983, it was recently restored by the Hollywood Arts Council will support from the Community Redevelopment Agency. Last year, because of their support for murals and other public art, the agency was awarded the Public Art Award at the Council’s annual Charlie Awards gala.

On Hudson north of Hollywood Boulevard Alfredo de Batuc’s “A Tribute to Delores Del Rio.” For a mural that requires a little more thought, see Dan Collins block long mural untitled mural along Franklin between Vine and Argyle. This was one of Dan Collins last works as he was among the many artists we lost to AIDS in the 80’s.

Artist Hector Ponce’s 2-mural tribute to Hollywood
faces west near Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilcox. Situated
at the top floor of a 2-story building, Arnold, Elvis,
Marilyn and the Beatles watch over the neighborhood.

Other murals in Hollywood and its environs include
an exciting display of aerosol art south of Santa Monica
on Gower. And down Melrose at Heliotrope in East
Hollywood more figurative aerosol work can be seen.
Another newer mural by artists El Mac and Retna on
Western at Hollywood Blvd. brightens a busy corner.