![]() ![]() ![]() Because Rodia was not formally trained in art and humanities, his masterpiece is classified as na ïve art or outsiders art.Italian-born architect Simon Rodia (1879 – 1965) stands within the Watts Towers, a monument he constructed in Los Angeles, California. One of those children was legendary jazz musician, Charles Mingus. The only assistance the 4’10” Rodia had in the construction of the Towers was from neighborhood kids who occasionally delivered glass bottles to use in its construction.And it might be a bit hard to imagine, but Cher danced around the structure in the 1967 film, Good Times, Sonny & Cher. Hyde. It’s also featured in Chris Rock’s CB4, Denzel Washington’s Ricochet, Sean Penn’s Colors, Menace II Society and John Legend’s La La Land. ![]() The Towers appear in over a dozen films, including the 70s blaxploitation movies Abar, the First Black Superman and Dr.The official name of the structure, at least according to the artist, is Nuestro Pueblo or “our town.”.He purchased the land where the Towers now stand in 1917 and in 1921, began work on his famed structure. Estranged from his wife and children, Rodia moved to Watts after performing odd jobs in San Francisco and Seattle. The architectural wonder was crafted by Italian handyman Simon Rodia. The Watts Towers are located in a historically African-American community, but they were not built by an African-American artist.But there are several fascinating things about The Watts Towers we think every visitor should know whether planning a trip or contemplating one. And the Towers have been used as a backdrop for album covers, films and even a Simpsons episodes. People from around the world visit the massive example of assemblage art daily. A longstanding member of LA’s visual iconography, The Watts Towers have been an instrumental part of the Watts community for nearly a century. ![]()
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