Mr. Brainwash-"This is Street Art Woodstock"

Woodstock for the Street Art Generation~


When M&F made a return visit to 'Art Show 2011', Mr. Brainwash gave us a tour around the place to see all of the new art and how the building had filled in. It really was amazing to see all the work--the amount is kind of like MOCA, but instead of neatly displayed exhibits, 'Art Show 2011' is more like the true art on the streets and every little spot is filled with an image, or a tag, or a paster, or a picture of some sort. Since the building is so full of nooks and crannies, just finding the art and discovering a new piece is like a treasure hunt. The level of art is impressive in its own right, and Mr. Brainwash mentioned how impressed he was by the community art.

As we walked downstairs, Mr. Brainwash motioned his arm across the 20,000 square feet covered in art and the dozens of busy artists and said "This is like Woodstock, a street art Woodstock". And, you know, he is right.

Woodstock was so profound not just because it was a big music festival, but because it was one of the first, and it happened organically, and, perhaps most importantly, the timing was ripe for that moment in society. And, a similar 'perfect storm' has formed around MBW's 'Art Show 2011'.

Los Angeles is arguably the hottest spot in the world for street art right now, as demonstrated by the success of this blog being ranked #1 in the USA and #2 worldwide, even though we only focus on one city. Mr. Brainwash told us a while ago, "When I started doing art, people used to say 'Oh you are from LA--its a place without culture so who cares!' But now when I tell them where I am from they say 'Oh! LA! That is where it is all happening!'" Its true. LA is blowing up with literally hundreds of active street and graffiti artists. And murals are technically illegal, still Los Angeles is earning a reputation for the 'mural capital of the world'. There is a feverish energy on the streets, and Mr. Brainwash's 'Art Show 2011' came at the perfect time to capitalize on that.

'Art Show 2011' has been a free-for-all and a playground for artists of all skill levels, age, and experience. It has motivated many people to create and post art for the first time, it has given folks the opportunity to display art with someone who many people view as a hero. There have been no problems, no fights, and only once instance of blatant going over that we know of in the entire time the gallery has been open (which we understand will be handled--peacefully). And, we have never seen so many of LA's top street artists in the same place at once. This truly has been an awesome and unique experience. It is the 'Street Art Woodstock'.

And . . . its not over yet! If you want to be part of Mr. Brainwash's 'Art Show 2011' and live in Los Angeles, it is not too late. Due to the extreme popularity of the event, Mr. Brainwash has extended the hours, and the space will be open one final day, Sunday October 16th from 11AM-10PM, so come experience 'Street Art Woodstock and share your art!