The "Great Wall" Mural of Los Angeles




In the midst of the gray, concrete L.A. overpasses stands the “Great Wall” mural. This masterpiece designed by Professor Judith Baca and painted by over 400 students tells the history of Los Angeles. Staring all the way from prehistoric times, the mural encases the mixed cultures and roots of Los Angeles. The “Great Wall” stretches about a half mile along the banks of a flooding channel.
Before Baca decided to embark on her grand project, the channel was a dull eyesore. The giant concrete ditch blended into the routine life of L.A. The channel only served its practical purpose; it was nothing special.

Thankfully, Judith Baca decided to do something about seeing that gray wall everyday out of her window. Through her dedication, the wall is now a tourist attraction and pride of the historic city. The boring eyesore turned into something to appreciate as people drove to work.


Not only does the mural improve the general attitude of Los Angeles, but it also brings the different cultures together. The mural portrays not only the Latino roots of Los Angeles, but the American and Asian roots as well. In doing so, the residents are reminded every day by the “Great Wall” of what makes L.A. so special to them. Unlike Staples’s ability to alter public space in “ugly ways,” this mural beautifies the surroundings and also the mind (542). In fact, the mural unites people of all different origin, race, and culture- closer to how society should be.

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 4, 2018 at 1:59 PM

    Great post Wonyoung! We both wrote about creating a positive environment between people in society and how it can really help people. I really liked how you included a specific example of this by utilizing Judith Baca's great wall. Good Job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownFebruary 4, 2018 at 2:43 PM

    Nice post Wonyoung! I really enjoyed how you incorporated what we learned in class about changing environments and tying it back to the topic of race and culture. It really shows off the diversity and creativity of LA.

    ReplyDelete
  3. dominic.marra8February 4, 2018 at 3:31 PM

    Interesting piece here Wonyoung. I liked the inclusion of the pictures of the murals so we could see what was referenced. I was reminded of Banksy's art on walls in Palestine and Israel.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownFebruary 4, 2018 at 4:47 PM

    Great connection you have from the story to art! I feel as though art is a great source of expression, and it's also very similar towards the painted hoses in Detroit!

    ReplyDelete

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