Stopping a Movement While Saving Its Art

Marissa Gluck writes for The Atlantic Cities:

Though the history of Occupy Wall Street is still being written, some of the movement's artwork is already receiving attention from preservationists.

While there are multiple efforts to organize local gallery shows for the tent cities' protest art, Los Angeles is taking the unusual step of organizing a preservation process for a major mural created in its encampment. It is the first major city to do so.

The massive four-sided mural, painted on plywood erected to protect a park fountain from vandalism, is awaiting a caretaker after the Department of Cultural Affairs removed it under the watchful eye of a conservator. The mural isn’t just a visual depiction of the protesters’ perspective. Its physical creation echoes the movement as well, with multiple anonymous artists contributing to the work.

One side of the mural depicts the Federal Reserve as a monstrous octopus, ravenously grabbing cash from foreclosed homes, while exhorting viewers to "Take the Power Back."

The other sides are a hodge-podge of protest images, icons and graffiti, recalling the vibrant murals and chaotic street art of Los Angeles’ urban sprawl. "It’s site specific to L.A.," says Carol Wells, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Political Graphics. "It documents L.A.’s part in an international movement."

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