Search

October 11, 2015

Photo Essay: A 1911 Historic Mansion, Defaced and Defiled

When I heard that street artist Hanksy was setting up shop in an abandoned mansion, the first thing I thought was, "Cool!"

I like art in unusual places, and I like getting into buildings that aren't normally open to the public.

But I hadn't recognized the address as one of the historically significant mansions of the 2200 block of South Harvard Boulevard in West Adams Heights (also known as Sugar Hill).



When I arrived and recognized the mansion on the corner, I thought, Oh no, not this place.



I was hoping they were just calling it a mansion. I'd hoped it was truly abandoned. I'd hoped it was a ramshackle—but, more importantly, non-contributing—haunted house.



The line was long, and people were spilling out all over the place. They were literally hanging off the roof.



I don't think anybody knew anything about this place.



I don't think anybody cared.



Getting into an event like this gave them bragging rights of exclusivity and proximity to "art."



Before you look at these photos, please read my op-ed on the Hanksy pop-up gallery here.



The rest of the photos I'll show without commentary.






Before photo: Planomatic















Before photo: Planomatic








Before photo: Planomatic












Before photo: Planomatic


























Before photo: Planomatic





I wasn't sure whether the police arrival was real or staged—or, at least, anticipated. It's a sure-fire way to get people to leave if they've overstayed their welcome. And visitors were staying, despite being told to walk through, take some snaps, and keep it moving.

I hope everyone's selfies were worth it. Mine wasn't.

Related Posts:
Keep Street Art on the Street
Photo Essay: Behind the Closed Doors of West Adams Heights
Photo Essay: Mr. Brainwash Art Show 2011 Closing Night
Photo Essay: The Scary Dairy
Photo Essay: Murphy Ranch in Rustic Canyon
Photo Essay: Abandoned Warehouse, Tivoli Bay

No comments:

Post a Comment