As American As

VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN ON MELROSE: MOLOTOV COCKTAIL ART SHOW OPENS SATURDAY.

The Trump Era seems ripe to rekindle the flames of protest. Artist Phil America seem to think so, teaming up with El Silencio Mezcal to launch a series of immersive art activations featuring a Molotov cocktail vending machine and a pop-up lemonade stand that sells lighter fluid and hand-carved zippo lighters. These Melrose Ave street installations will lead-up to a four-day art show called We Stole the Fire opening on Saturday, Aug. 4th on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles.

As with any art exhibit in Los Angeles, socially-conscious or not, We Stole the Fire will be centered around a compelling made for Instagram Story image. The black and red Molotov cocktail vending machine is sure to be popping up on your timelines this week. Conceived by Phil America, best known for his U.S. Border Unauthorized Galleries series, it is both a reflection of the rampant availability of weapons in our society and that revolutions are never cost prohibitive. “Molotov’s have historically been used to both resist and reclaim and the machine looks to ignite that same spirit in the viewer,” says America in a press statement.

The fully functional vending machine will sell a limited-edition run of 200 Molotov Cocktails (made from empty El Silencio Mezcal bottles that come with a custom “STEAL THE FIRE” bandana) at a bargain price of $5. A large portion of the proceeds of each sale will be donated to Everytown, a non-profit working to end gun violence and build safer communities. You may recognize the equally fresh lemonade stand, which has been used in legendary art exhibits and murals from the likes of Shepard Fairey and JR. The repurposed newsstand is bookended by neon lit revolution slogans and will be open from 3pm to 9pm each day leading up the Aug. 4 art show.

Located at 7400 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046.

-LA Taco