A little about the mural that graces the front of our gallery; an image of which is prominently featured on our website.
Art has the power to connect people all across the world. Art tells stories, bridges gaps, celebrates our differences and reveals what we have in common. Man One grew up in Boyle Heights, LA with resilient affection for graffiti and urban street art and earned a degree in the Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University. No stranger to the adversity caused by poverty, violence, and other social issues, Man One has developed his artistic career centered around the belief that "art can transcend cultural and socio-economic barriers, fostering understanding, mutual respect and unity among disparate peoples" (Man One Art). Widely known for his charitable events and contributions, Man One has organized local projects in LA and across the globe in an effort to educate and inspire the hearts and minds of others using the power of art.
Man One is not only one of the most iconic graffiti artists in LA, but has worked on projects all over the world. He has collaborated with major companies such as Coca-Cola, Oakley, Disney, including painting live at performances alongside the Black-Eyed Peas, Blink 182, and George Clinton to name a few. Along with these great opportunities and the work of his own gallery in LA, Man One has been a strong influence in legitimizing the value and collectibility of graffiti.
Over the years Just Looking Gallery has been very proud to work with such a talented artist who's humanitarian efforts and creative integrity pair so well with the spirit of our gallery. In November of 2013 we commissioned Man One to paint a mural covering the outside of our front wall. The mural expresses one simple and genuine message which represents everything Man One and Just Looking Gallery believe in:
Art Saves Lives.
