Open 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesdays - Sundays
On View until September 1st
Free to visit
Artwork is available here.
Please email superchiefgalleryla@gmail.com for inquiries.
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 deitrius 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.
For LIFE UNDERGROUND, we teamed up with Operation Under to publish their 4th book, which follows the crew on their adventures and misadventures, exploring the underground in Los Angeles and Beyond. The Deluxe Package for the book also includes an Operation Under patch and a flash drive with 3 hours of interviews and ambient music aptly named "Tales from the Tunnels."
The patches are all one of a kind and made from fabric cut from tunnel exploration suits worn by the crew and sewn into patches by the talented folks at CRTFD. The book is a must have for any fans of graffiti, urban exploration, or street art, and will be available for a limited time.
We also have 4 color options for these limited edition T-shirts to commemorate the exhibition, with the Operation Under logo and a very cool tunnel schematic designed by our team here at the gallery. We use really comfortable and high-quality t-shirts for all our merch so you'll look cool and feel cool wearing it.
Get it for yourself or as a gift for the tunnel rat in the family.
Available in Slime Green, Safety Yellow, Black and White.
The 4th and final book by Operation Under.
The book follows the clandestine group known as "Operation Under" through their adventures and misadventures underground in Los Angeles and beyond. In the pursuit of exploration, making art and the quest for immortality these photos and short stories capture it all.
The Deluxe Fan Pack comes with an O.U. Patch and a numbered flash drive containing "Tales from the Tunnels", an audio journey produced and guided by Magnetic Vines. Featuring 3 hours of stories and gutter gospel from O.U. Members with Magnetic Vines tracks recorded underground. Edition of 100.
The Standard Fan Pack comes with a piece of concrete from a Los Angeles tunnel painting mission.
Perfect Bound; UV Coated Cover; Full-Color; 104 pages. 7" x 8". Printed on Kelly Opaque #80 Paper.
Coming August 24:
Operation Under & Superchief Present
NATURALIST ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM
The event will feature food, a panel discussion, and a meet and greet for people to learn more about art, tunnels, biology, creeks, graffiti and more.
‘LIFE UNDERGROUND’ Opening Night
If you joined us for opening night, thank you for your support & making it a night to remember! If you weren’t able to make it out, here is a recap video showcasing the artwork, guests, and more.