Style Watch: Art & Style Mashup At LA's Downtown Art Walk

Author: Vivianne Lapointe
Posted on: Tuesday May 18, 2010 at 2:00 PM

It's a common perception that no one ever walks in Los Angeles. However, hitting up the Downtown LA area on any given second Thursday of the month provides a different perspective. As we reported yesterday, the art market seems to be serious uptick and judging from the racuous scene at last week's art walk, even indie art seems to be on the rebound. Colorful, hip, and inspiring, the Los Angeles Art Walk almost competes with the window-shopping NYC or Chicago - except it's solely devoted to art and there's no tourists.

Since its inception in September 2004, the art walk scene has grown impressively; now-a-days, 40 some galleries and museums stay open late on the second Thursday of each month, as droves of hipsters stroll leisurely from gallery to gallery. In fact, Los Angeles Art Walk is even cited as one of the impetuses for Downtown LA's gentrification, as artist and style-seekers have revived and renovated many of downtown's historic Art Deco buildings, turing them into boutique galleries, large artists studios, and spacious loft complexes. Check out JT.com LA correspondent Vivianne Lapointe's exclusive photos below:

EXCLUSIVE LA ART WALK PICTURES: ART + FASHION

Sisters in style...

To the left: Justine Peacock, wearing a LV cutch, an Urban Outfitters blazer and H&M Earrings, describes her style as "totally flashy and trendy"

To the right: Kelly Peacock rocked a pink pair of Steve Madden pumps, Abercrombie denim and a vintage bag. "I like to look unique, with a street flair," she said.

Human skull-inspired art everywhere...

Public performances ...

This stylist was trimming bangs for free in the middle of the sidewalk.

Not sure what this guy was doing, but the pose surely was worth a snap!

Human scuptures - need we say more?

Wait... it this art?

Life paintings & lithographs...

Nerdism:

CTRL ALT DEL pillow cases... a must-have accessory for computer junkies.

Cute graffiti art:

Cool, inspired creatives:

Justin Tan and Kevin Recinos started the Paper Heart Movement, spreading love across the busy streets throughout the event.

Mele Marchesseault accessorized her own jewelry designs (MixedHearts.com) to a sweet pair of top shop leggings and cardigan, with a funky vintage bag.

Green, environment-inspired artwork:

Local urban memorabilia:

And a couple freaks!!!

One street away from all that mayhem, right by where we parked, homeless people are sleeping in tents, reminding us that we're still in the ghetto of an urban metropolis.