Vandals keep targeting the Relax, Ur OK and One Love neon art installations by street artist Scott Froschauer. Both neon works are currently not OK as they sit dimly on Santa Monica Boulevard by the Holloway Drive intersection.
It appears someone tried to remove the One Love neon sign, but could not break it off its base. The sign was instead twisted sideways and some of the delicate neon bulbs were broken on both sides of the sign. There are small shards of glass on the pedestal. It also appears the wiring was destroyed, which could explain why the Relax, UR OK sign down the street also has no power. Both must be connected to the same power grid.
This is not the first time the neon art installation has been vandalized. Both signs had their glass broken last month causing an electrical short. It was assumed that people were leaning into the signs and accidentally breaking the light bulbs when they were taking selfies, but then the signs were graffitied shortly after, so it appears they are targets to vandals.
The most recent twisting of the One Love neon art will require major repairs. They may need to put some plexiglass over both signs to protect the bulbs from future damage. A rope around the artwork could also ward off any unnecessary contact, but it would also feel less welcoming.
The Art on the Outside installation made its debut in October of 2020. It was curated by long-time West Hollywood resident, Valda Lake, the owner of Wallspace gallery and current manager of the West Hollywood Arts department.
Artist Scott Froschauer uses the institutionalized structure of road signage as inspiration. He replaces the traditionally negative and coercive language normally found in street signs and replaces them with positive and inspirational messages. Froschauer uses words of hope, love and affirmation to welcome visitors and residents into some of the most tolerant and inclusive cities in the world. His works span two decades, encompassing experimental printmaking, street art and large-scale public sculptures, including interactive installations at Burning Man and multiple venues across California.
Anyone with any information on the vandalism of these artworks should call local authorities.
Perhaps they should have CCTV for these installations and all over the rest of the city to protect us from the shit that’s going on around here.