Operation Under is a clandestine organization that produces artwork in tunnels beneath the city. The group consists of a diverse cast of characters ranging from graffiti artists, painters, writers, explorers, photographers, tattooers, nature enthusiasts and anthropologists. These operations consist of a physical and visual exploration of the world beneath us.
For over seven years Operation Under has been exploring and creating these hidden clusters of underground artwork. Each obscure location is identified by a sequential number, totaling over 117 locations as of 2024. At each of these numbered areas, there is a painting marking the number, and a variety of artwork by members of the crew. Some of these paintings could last hundreds of years, existing in complete darkness, exposed to absolutely no sunlight, locked away in concrete tombs. Others may be lost to wear and tear from flowing water, erosion from the washed away debris of Los Angeles as it flows through drainage canals. Much of the artwork exists in total secrecy in some surprising locations under the city; beneath famous landmarks, government buildings, parks, and freeways. The secrecy of these locations is fundamental to the ethos of Operation Under. Protection from the elements is as important as protection from vandals, defacers, and other graffiti artists.
This culture of tight-lipped mythology protects these mysterious works of art and their creators. Los Angeles is the home of Operation Under but the group's reach continues to grow. Missions have been taking place abroad and the Operation has connected with likeminded groups around the world.
Curiosity of the unknown is what draws us in. Some get drawn in further than others. The members of Operation Under have been sucked down the drain about as far as you can go.