Street art can be incredibly specific and highly local. An artist might take on a timely topic that only impacts his or her neighborhood or zip code, with the goal to inspire change and at least thoughts that proceed in a new direction.
Then there are messages that can move across borders, and through cities on different coasts, because the works address an experience known to many people, regardless of address or background or education or name.
Not simply known, of course, but often weathered and endured, making it an experience prime for addressing. Brooklyn artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh's Stop Telling Women to Smile street art project is doing just that: Taking a stand against street harassment.
Street art and its aims have been much microscoped over the last couple of decades, but to see it address a widespread issue in the very arena that the issue occurs is powerful indeed.
The posters, featuring women Ms. Fazlalizadeh has illustrated, including her own self-portrait, accompany messages like "No, You Can't Talk to Me for a Minute" and "Women Are Not Outside for Your Entertainment."
Ms. Fazlalizadeh is visiting Los Angeles with her works through Wednesday, March 19, meaning Downtown Art Walk attendees may come across the posters during the March 13 Art Walk -- a mini exhibition will be set up at the Art Walk Lounge -- and Nopal Press will feature both a window display and lithograph signing.
A number of other events will follow over the weekend, including a discussion at Santa Monica College on Monday, March 17.
