Take a Virtual Stroll Through the Mural Spaces in Long Beach That Take Direct Aim at Trump While Supporting Dreamers
Photos by Tyler Hill.
When 6th Street ends at the east side of the LA River at the 710, it becomes an underpass that also acts as a shelter for those experiencing homelessness as well as a connection for bicyclists and pedestrians to access the bike path along the river.
But with a handful of murals, it also acts as a direct middle-finger to Trump over his decision to overturn DACA, the Obama Administration’s program that gives temporary protection to undocumented migrants who arrived in the US as children.
And now, thanks to the work of artist and tech-master Craig Sauer, a 3D virtual tour of the murals allow online voyeurs alike to explore the space as well as maintain their exploration for posterity’s sake:
Under Trump, DACA will be eliminated in March of next year, putting over 800,000 men, women, and children who have been living here since childhood in further turmoil given they already live precarious lives.
These murals, commissioned by nonprofit StreetArtistInResidence (SAIR) and chosen through a plethora of applications submitted over the past year, span hundreds of feet. However, it welcomes visitors from its east side with a smaller mural off to the north edge from famed Hollywood street artist WRDSMTH: a small typewriter, a page scrolling out with the words “Dream bigger.”
When stepping through the underpass, you will witness everything from a depiction of Trump as It the Clown from Stephen King’s famous novel to Trump as The Dream Killer annihilating the poor beneath his omnipotent presence (with a red Nazi band included).
“We really have to send a special thanks to [1st District Councilmember Lena Gonzalez] for her collaboration on the project and tireless work to protect Dreamers in Long Beach. Lena is currently pushing local legislation to protect Long Beach Dreamers that could be modeled around the country—and we’re honored to be a part of that,” said SAIR founder Joshua Host.
According to Host, SAIR seeks to use street artists as integral political agitators—and that means residencies that can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days with the objective of connecting the LA region with international artists. (Think Pow! Wow! gone Capitol Hill.)
“During the residencies, artists stay on-site at the House of Trestles [our San Clemente office] and interact with fellow world travelers. During their stay, the residents are given wall space at the House of Trestles for murals that will set the backdrop for their capstone art exhibit at the end of their residency.”
The DREAMERS project is a special extension of these residencies.
7 Comments
Pretty powerful art. I doubt the vast majority of Long Beach residences even know this location (underpass) exits. I do but that is only because I am a bicyclist who, after passing by dozens of time on the LA river path finally said “where does that go”. The homeless population probably use this underpass more than any other group of people. So was this location chosen for these murals because it is “hidden” and thus may survive? I hope it survives unmolested; not all art has to be “comfortable” to all people.
In Long Beach Parks & Recreation Depts. censored murals for the longest 70s, 80s, 90s and during that time channeled radical themes right out of the scene.
The City opened Cultural Centers to supress talent not to foment it. I invite readers to gps 53rd & San Pedro Ave., South Central in the City of Los Angeles.
I also hope that this hidden mural survives undisturbed. Urban Features woe.
This is not ‘art’. This is a political statement inappropriately installed on public property. Shame! I agree with the sentiments but challenge the right to put them on government owned land. If they want to do this, use a billboard or paint on a privately owned wall.
Deb, could I paint in inappropriate political statement on your house? Sounds like you need it.
Deb, could I paint an inappropriate political statement on your house? Sounds like you need it.
Typical anti American democrats. That party has literally turned communist with no answers. They just enjoy making America last. Dreamers…go dream in your birthplace nations. Get the wall up and change the entire legal immigration process already! This is all a scam to turn America into the s holes south of the border. The democrats are truly a vile party..Sad.
May the pathway to citizenship be realized! 1.8 million!
Thank you Councilmenber Lena Gonzalez, and thank you ARTISTS!
I stand with dreamers!