Hueman walks the line between fine art and street art

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Hueman works on a new mural in Culver City. Photos by Shara Morris (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Last year, Los Angeles City Council got rid of a decade-long ban on murals, which means that LA’s future is looking more brightly colored than ever. One artist who is already bringing new work to the street is a woman who goes by the name Hueman.

Allison Torneros, aka Hueman, doesn’t fit the typical street artist image. She’s a petite woman in her late twenties with a background in painting. Years of working in graphic design made her feel like a robot, so she turned turned to street art to feel human again.

Transitioning into the street art world wasn’t always easy. In the 80s and 90s, men dominated the scene, and many of them were arrested for their work. And yet, as street art has become more mainstream, artists like Hueman are finding their place.

Unlike the legendary street artists before her, her pieces are commissioned. In Culver City, Hueman’s freshly painted wall is inspired by the indie band Cults, who were recently spotted visiting the mural.

Using spray paint, Hueman’s busy blurring the lines between fine art and street art. Her work is currently featured in a solo show at Project Gallery in Hollywood through July 20.

Hueman at work on her mural in Culver City for the indie band Cults
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Project Gallery in Hollywood is featuring Hueman’s work until July 20th (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)