In 2019, we were struck by how the Disney-fication of Hollywood brought contrasting ideas about gender into sharp physical relief on Hollywood Boulevard itself, with retail stores selling princess-themed merchandise alongside other merchants serving the drag, bondage, and burlesque communities. Another in Freewaves’ ongoing engagements with gender, this public art event brought together over 35 artists, art collectives, and organizations to celebrate the spectrum of gender identity, build community, and launch a “SEXUAL HARRASSMENT FREE ZONE” on Hollywood Boulevard, in partnership with the advocacy organization Peace Over Violence. Other participating artists and organizations included Jennifer Moon, Ni Santas, Marcus Kuiland-Nazario, Arshia Haq with Cassils, Yozmit, Martha Carrillo, Black Lives Matter, and Reach LA.
Freewaves is currently deepening and reorganizing our archive of 35 years of public art in Los Angeles. Check back in 2025 to explore more of our history.
