BEST public art in LA
Paul Smith Wall
8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The Paul Smith Wall is a bright pink mural on the Paul Smith store on Melrose Avenue, LA. It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, attracting thousands of visitors who want to take photos with the #pinkwall. The wall was painted in 2005, inspired by the Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s use of color. Melrose Avenue is a trendy street with many other murals, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. It is close to attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Beverly Center.
Retna
625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
The Retna street mural, a large-scale painting by LA-based artist Marquis Lewis, also known as Retna, displays his abstract calligraphy influenced by various scripts and symbols from different cultures and eras. It is one of the three murals that adorn the parking garage of the West Hollywood Library, created in 2011 as part of the West Hollywood Urban Art Program. The mural attracts photographers and Instagrammers with its striking contrast to the surrounding environment, and showcases Retna’s artistic vision and influence in the fashion and music industry.
California Dreaming
3485 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Ricardo Gonzalez, AKA @ItsALiving, created the 3-story California Dreaming mural in 2017 for Culver City shoe company, Chinese Laundry. Gonzalez is known for this signature script style that invites a dialog between artwork and viewer.
Double Ascension
555 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Herbert Bayer's sculpture atop the fountain in City National Plaza was originally commissioned by Arco Oil Co. and installed in 1973. Bayer was an Austrian and American graphic designer, painter, photographer, sculptor, art director, environmental and interior designer, and architect.
