Berlin Wall sections installed at THE LUME Los Angeles

THE LUME Los Angeles, a new digital art gallery that debuted in April, has eight original pieces of the Berlin Wall on display as part of its STREET ART ALIVE multi-sensory experience featuring 200 street artists from 20+ Cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, São Paulo, Melbourne and Berlin. Show dates will run through August 14, 2022.

Historically, the Berlin Wall has been used as a canvas for political statements and powerful social commentary by artists from across the globe. The original pieces installed at THE LUME Los Angeles, located at 1933 S. Broadway Street, measure 14’ x 4’  and weigh four tons each. Grouped in rows of three, the total size per installation is 14’ x 12’ and sit prominently at the exhibition’s front door entrance. 

Los Angeles graffiti artist Kelly “RISK” Graval was commissioned by THE LUME LA to add his artistry to two of the three sets. “Anarch to Monarchy” portrays the Buddha and butterfly images to reflect hope and positivity. 

“I wanted to do something bright and positive. The colors I use in my murals come from two sources. They reflect the old Krylon ‘California Colors’ spray paint line that I used doing Graffiti in LA many years ago,” Risk said. “When I was doing graffiti I lived a life of Anarchy. My life was doing graffiti at night, punk rock and Venice Beach. Over the years, I have transformed into fine art. I have four daughters and my life is positive. The Butterflies reflect that. So, I went from ‘Anarch to Monarch.'”

Risk also added. “It was an honor to paint on a section of the Berlin Wall. The importance and history of the wall is something everyone should know and appreciate. As an artist, I am not overtly political in my work. I prefer more subtle social commentary. My approach to painting on these sections of the wall was to do something colorful, bright and hopeful. With everything going on in the world and the historic importance of the Berlin Wall, I wanted to paint something that gave people hope for a bright future.” 

According to Risk, “Street art and graffiti are important art movements. It has taken a long time for the traditional art world to recognize Street Art and Graffiti as legitimate art movements. The public has recognized the importance of Street Art and Graffiti for years.  Being a part of a significant multimedia experience celebrating the importance of Street Art and Graffiti means a lot to me.” 

STREET ART ALIVE allows visitors to discover the sheer diversity of street art as a movement and take a journey through the motivations of the artists who live, breathe, and express themselves on the streets. The experience will explore the varied themes of VIBRANCY, REJUVENATION, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT and FRESH TAKE ON HISTORY in a way that appeals to all senses in a truly multi-sensory environment.  

Tickets to THE LUME Los Angeles’ STREET ART ALIVE are available for purchase now at thelume.com/losangeles. Tickets start at $39 (Adult General Admission).   

ABOUT THE LUME LOS ANGELES  

THE LUME Los Angeles is a digital art gallery that debuted in April 2022. It is the culmination of Grande Experiences’ decade+ of presenting multi-sensory experiences and a partnership with Magic Box LA, a one-of-a-kind event center that is now the permanent location for THE LUME Los Angeles.

Located at 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90007 THE LUME Los Angeles is the sister destination of THE LUME in Melbourne, Australia. 

ABOUT KELLY “RISK” GRAVAL

Kelly “RISK” Graval has been synonymous with the Los Angeles art community for over 30 Years. From his early days as a founder of the West Coast Graffiti movement to gallery and museum exhibits around the globe, including the 2012 “Art In The Streets” at the LA MoCA and the hugely successful “Beyond The Streets” exhibits in Los Angeles and New York. His work is shown at top galleries in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, New York, Miami, and London.