That green slime on Sunset Boulevard was not your thing? Well then, maybe you think things look prettier in pink. In that case, you would have enjoyed the “flash mob” take over of the Pink Wall at the Paul Smith store on Melrose Avenue yesterday.
At around 3 p.m. a 50-person, all-pink flash mob showed up at the Pink Wall, the site of seemingly unending selfie shots, to promote the message “Never Conform.” The event was put together by Joey James Salehi, a West Hollywood multi-media artist, and was produced by Firework App, which used it to promote its video app.
An announcement of the flash mob event said “In today’s social media world that we live in, everybody’s doing the same thing…it’s all self-absorbed and we’re losing our individuality. The Pink Wall is a symbol this – countless eager people show up every day to post selfies that all look the same. Joey hopes that his flash mob will promote individuality and encourage a culture of non-conformity.”
In a profile in VoyageLA, Salehi describes himself as a child who “loved Halloween, not for the candy, but for the chance to build a life-size witch out of common household items every year. I was also fascinated by Chuck E. Cheese. I would beg my mom to take me there just so I could admire the animatronics and construction of the stage.”
Over the years he has transitioned from art director for commercials and films to a buyer and product designer for e-commerce stores and now is focused on creating his own style of art and photography.
Omg!!! I’m having major FOMO! I wish I was there!!!
I admire artists like Joey! He’s consciously aware of what’s happening in the media today and he’s incorporating our social culture while making a statement about embracing your individuality! This pink suits represented our oppression in society to conform and as the pink suit people broke free from the wall and they showed their individuality! Such a cool event! I hope Paul Smith embraces this and does more like this!!! I want to be there next time!
what a douche…as if there was some big meaning to this other than self promotion
Well he is an artist and he was trying to get his message across. So if that’s called self promotion then so be it! Don’t we all self promote in one way or another? It’s hard to believe that you don’t self promote anything yourself! Don’t be so quick to judge and call someone a douche. Someone might be thinking the same exact thing about you!
Wait this was a promotion for an APP which creates one mass persona and know INDIVIDUALITY. This is FOR SOCIAL MEDIA? Well at least I am one of the 10% of men that are RED/GREEN color blind. This is completely GREY and DULL looking. PERHAPS the 10% of men that are R/G CB are now not complled to look at a GREY APP. THINK WHATS COLORS WOULD HAVE WORK MR. ARTIST! NO THOUGHT
The app promotes content creators and artists like Joey! The app helps support artists and by allowing them to create and produce. It’s actually a cool collaborative process! You should check it out before you judge blindly! I think you might enjoy it!
Within conformity, there’s a kindred spirit. Look at the thousands of people who are bonded by anger. Pink Rockers, who don’t want to conform but all dress alike. A true individual works within their limitations. Not dressing or succumbing to anger or acts of violence. I look at life as a balance. You can direct your anger into something positive and meaningful. I don’t subscribe to the thought of civil disobedience. Behavior sets the tone.
I love the irony of this self-proclaimed purveyor of individuality in his weak attempt to copy Christo in concept for the crass commercial purpose of promoting an app. It’s dull and boring like the wall itself, which has become a neighborhood nuisance.
Well that’s too bad you think that… interesting you found it boring yet interesting enough to offer your criticism!
Didn’t everyone just ‘conform” by wearing the same outfits, erasing their faces and personal identity. If this is the new anti-conform I’ll stick with conforming because it’s not always bad to do so.
It sometimes brings people together with common interests, tastes and goals.
But we get it. Art. Enjoy your expression.
I think that was his point, that everyone looks and acts the same. He purposely made them look like they were conforming.
Lol that’s what he said! He says it brings people together but it’s also important to show your individuality! That’s why the performers separate away from the wall! You really need to watch the whole video on his platform!
I admire non-conformists, they are the ones who have truly caused change for the better in our society/culture/country. People who conform and who are afraid to step outside the box that people expect us to stay in bore me.
I admire that too! This is such a great message that Joey James Salehi has created!
Idiotic! His production is the very essence of conformity.
Itching for attention, self absorbed.
Let’s spread love and support for our local artist! Not negativity! Such a shame you think that!