I Am Alive In Los Angeles

In November 2018 Phil America created the first of an ongoing series of what he calls ‘visual poems’. Located on the ground floor of the historic Los Angeles Athletic Club at the corner of 7th and Olive in the heart of Downtown LA, he created something that would speak to all passerby and residents that pass through the intersection. In particular we wanted to make sure we didn’t ignore those who unfortunately find themselves living on the streets that surround the intersection and much of Downtown LA.

After several approaches we decided presenting a poem that spoke to the many facets of life in Downtown that would be something poignant and could speak to the diverse cross-section of people living in Downtown LA.

We selected the poem “I Am Alive in Los Angeles!” by LA poet Mike Sonksen and created a multi-media mural in the windows, awnings, spaces on the building’s facade using a variety of visual approaches such as sign painting, frescos, neon lighting and more. Phil also created two hand-painted flags, one of which appeared on the corner and a larger one that hung in front of the LAAC entrance next to the US flag creating a striking visual image visible from both 7th and Olive streets.

-Phil America