Beyond The Wall

The colorful, grand mural of meticulous art encapsulates the vibrant city and culture of Los Angeles, all created using spray paint alone. Tristan Eaton (1978) was born in Hollywood, California, and began his career as an illustrator when he moved to Detroit for his father’s work. He moved to New York at the age of 20 to pursue street art while attending the School of Visual Arts. His artistic career started with small-scale projects, such as designing toys and creating posters. Over time, his passion evolved into painting large-scale murals in public spaces when he moved back to LA.

One of his notable Hollywood murals, City of Angels, painted in 2022 on the Astor Hotel, is an accumulation of iconography featuring Sidney Poitier and Judy Garland, along with detailed representations of Hollywood culture, a playful vibe and vibrant colors.

Murals in LA have shaped a movement toward identity and justice, reaching a wide audience. LA is home to so many murals that it’s known as “the mural capital of the world.” These works of art reflect diverse cultural narratives, the history of minority communities and themes of societal power and control, especially during a time when there was a lack of representation in public life or elected positions. This artistic tradition is deeply influenced by the Chicano art movement, which emphasizes cultural identity as a means to empower the community’s voice and address social issues while advocating for their civil rights.

Today, murals in LA hold special significance in conveying a meaning unique to its story, artist and community.

—Prepared by the World Tribune staff