Reading the Writing on the Wall

Reading the Writing on the Wall is a StoryMap that traces the history of the Belmont Tunnel in Los Angeles, a decommissioned subway tunnel that became one of the most iconic graffiti sites in the world. Once an abandoned space, it transformed into a vibrant canvas where artists layered murals, tags, and messages that reflected identity, community, and resistance. The project documents how this hidden urban landmark evolved into a cultural archive of West Coast graffiti, capturing both the artistry and the contested politics of public space.