Skate and Create, the Essence Endures

A CELEBRATION OF VENICE BEACH SKATEBOARDING & STREET ART

Photo credit: tomasosinski

Millions of visitors a year come to Los Angeles with Venice Beach on their to-do list. As these inquisitive souls pass and ponder at its curious dwellers, few truly understand the history and unique culture before them. Venice Beach, was once a magical place in the form of a fanciful beach resort, however, after losses by developers and years of neglect by government left it adrift in decline. Soon it was being called by monikers like, " the debris by the sea, slum by the sea or dogtown."

Dogtown Graffiti

Photo credit: i.pinimg.com

Venice was a gritty place in these times and in stark contrast to the imagery of the Beach Boys, California Dreaming. And while there was a local surf break, it's the streets that truly birthed and evolved skateboarding and other creative cultures like graffiti and street art.

Venice Pavilion

Photo credit: i.pinimg.com

Located in a prominent position just off the boardwalk and with it's back to the sea was the pavilion. Originally this public performance venue sat at the edge of the sand with open sides and a roof. A later addition of walls, ruined the acoustics, and the space sat locked and obsolete for the years to come.

The Pit

Photo credit: lataco.com

While a loss for the performing arts, locals made use of the remaining outdoor areas and quickly made it their own. A small circular stage, dozens of circular picnic tables and 3-sided circular fire pits were surrounded by tall concrete walls and became, "The Pits." A relatively lawless place to hang out, skate, paint and live. For some quite literally.

Venice Legend: Christian Hosoi

Photo credit: pinterest

This was ground zero for the Venice way of life and a sanctuary for those dedicated to skating and creating. Some choose to experience this space by riding it, others looked at it as a canvass to be enhanced as an expression of art. There's a beautiful synergy to both these pursuits.

Risk, Venice Pit, 1989

Photo credit: Risk

While hallowed ground for the locals, the pavilion was just an abandoned eyesore to municipal decision makers and was eventually torn to the ground. Regardless, was celebrated and skated until the end.

The Final Day

Video credit: youtube/veniceskateparkla

Fortunately, and eventually, the city built a skatepark here and converted some of the remnant walls and a firepit into a graffiti performance space. The essence has endured, the culture celebrated and "The Pit," lives on.

Venice Beach Skatepark

Photo credit: www.sectionc.se

Sanctioned Graffiti Area

Photo credit: Stef McDonald

Today these arts have come along way. Skateboarding in an Olympic Sport and skaters like Tony Hawk and Shaun White have become global icons. Street Art is being celebrated and highly valued with likes of Keith Herring, Bansy, Sheppard Fairy and Jean-Michel Basquiat having become renowned and respected artists. A piece by Basquiat has sold for $110 million.

Addidas Shoes has partnered with Roger Gastman to bring a street art installation to Los Angeles that celebrates the histories of art and skate with a replica build of the Venice Pit. And returning to participate are some of the original skaters and artist that grew from this era. Beyond this historic nod to Venice, the show itself is an incredible collection of art from some of biggest names in the world. A great experience not to be missed.

May 6th to July 6th, 2018
Los Angeles California

#adidasSkateboarding
#beyondthestreets

Beyond the Streets Art Exhibition

Video credit: youtube/beyondthestreets

Replica Pavilion Art Installation

Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/jWmxSdWuJzfgPNfLaFSJ6Bxpl5qvmu97lmVBfQCLAga

Replica Pavilion Art Installation

Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/hsUl9O4h2axBMkenKxQN0FCti1nN4YvgkSVNn0P9Kz3

Replica Pavilion Art Installation

Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/YhH67bdIlFMnaDIVZxqldKAKdos92WZB4nUTQvS87y0

Replica Pavilion Art Installation

Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/BKNAJetW54w12G7QwgqvYxSUhq2xP3aaRn6PHK73Syr

https://www.standardhotels.com/culture/beyond-the-streets-graffiti-art-los-angeles-exhibition

OGs Reminiscing

Video credit: juicetv

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