Shelley LeopoldPeeking up between buildings on the corner of S. Olive and 8th , “Westsiiiide” represents on the east wall of the Bristol Hotel. Living in LA, we know the origins of this iconic hand sign. Have we been desensitized to the gang connotations over the years after seeing it in 20-odd years of music videos?
Credit: Shannon Cottrell
JR has been known to stir things up, as with his project in the streets of Palestine and Israel, were he posted “enemies” on shop walls. The citizens were worried that the businesses would be burned down or go bankrupt. But, in reality no one could tell the difference between an Israeli or a Palestinian portrait, unless they were told.
Credit: Shannon Cottrell
So, as JR continues to challenge Los Angeles in black and white Xerox, without knowing who's hand it is, or what the signer may have meant by his gesture, is this taboo? Or, does it unite those of us who live on the Best Coast? What do you think?
Credit: Shannon Cottrell
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