My friend Amy & I go on hikes almost every weekend. We enjoy adventure and like to go on different trails each time. We came across this trail in Brentwood a couple weeks ago and now it’s one of our favorite trails. We never noticed the history behind the trail until after we researched it. There were abandoned power houses, water towers and thousands of stairs that wrapped around the mountain. I found it so strange that they were there.
There is graffiti every where on this hike and that is one of the best parts. Looking at the different colors and pictures drawn by random people in a random place is so fascinating. They express their feelings and views on the world within words and pictures. We both try to go back monthly because of its unique colors and its interesting history.
There is graffiti every where on this hike and that is one of the best parts. Looking at the different colors and pictures drawn by random people in a random place is so fascinating. They express their feelings and views on the world within words and pictures. We both try to go back monthly because of its unique colors and its interesting history.
Background Of Graffiti:
There are so many different types of artwork and I believe that graffiti should be considered as one as well. Graffiti is known as vandalism, which is a punishable crime but it also expresses social and political messages. It has grown within hip hop culture and gangs. Art is an expression of how you feel and it’s a way of showing your emotions. Graffiti covers the walls of freeways, bridges and buildings, showing the talent of those who create the beautiful images. The graffiti at Murphy Ranch covers acres of the mountain and it’s beautiful in its own way. There’s graffiti on the floor, the walls, the ceilings of the buildings and even the trees. It’s one of the most unique and colorful trails I have ever hiked.
History:
Surprisingly, this hiking trail is not only a hotspot for graffiti but it also has a bit of history. Murphy Ranch Trail is now located where a Nazi Compound once was. That is why there are abondoned houses and artifacts there. This was one of the places that kept them safe during Pearl Harbor. The people here made a power station, machine shed, raised gardens, a hillside for growing food, a water tank and a place to store fuel.
Aura:
The entire trail has an aura of mystery. As you walk alongside the trail, you feel positive and negative vibes. I didn’t know why there were abounded buildings and why so many people hung out on this 5-mile trail. There are people everywhere sharing their stories through their art. It has an aura of authenticity. There’s no place exactly like this in the world. In time, this place will create another aura of its own. It’s constantly changing and expanding.
There are so many different types of artwork and I believe that graffiti should be considered as one as well. Graffiti is known as vandalism, which is a punishable crime but it also expresses social and political messages. It has grown within hip hop culture and gangs. Art is an expression of how you feel and it’s a way of showing your emotions. Graffiti covers the walls of freeways, bridges and buildings, showing the talent of those who create the beautiful images. The graffiti at Murphy Ranch covers acres of the mountain and it’s beautiful in its own way. There’s graffiti on the floor, the walls, the ceilings of the buildings and even the trees. It’s one of the most unique and colorful trails I have ever hiked.
History:
Surprisingly, this hiking trail is not only a hotspot for graffiti but it also has a bit of history. Murphy Ranch Trail is now located where a Nazi Compound once was. That is why there are abondoned houses and artifacts there. This was one of the places that kept them safe during Pearl Harbor. The people here made a power station, machine shed, raised gardens, a hillside for growing food, a water tank and a place to store fuel.
Aura:
The entire trail has an aura of mystery. As you walk alongside the trail, you feel positive and negative vibes. I didn’t know why there were abounded buildings and why so many people hung out on this 5-mile trail. There are people everywhere sharing their stories through their art. It has an aura of authenticity. There’s no place exactly like this in the world. In time, this place will create another aura of its own. It’s constantly changing and expanding.
Overall:
People need to realize that artwork isn’t only framed in a museum or glamorized online from a famous artist. Art is everywhere. There’s art on the Northridge campus and even on abandoned hikes in the middle of nowhere. I like what John Berger said about not giving a certain art piece the same attention as another because you’re not face to face with it.
People need to realize that artwork isn’t only framed in a museum or glamorized online from a famous artist. Art is everywhere. There’s art on the Northridge campus and even on abandoned hikes in the middle of nowhere. I like what John Berger said about not giving a certain art piece the same attention as another because you’re not face to face with it.