En route to Umami Hollywood, I stumbled upon Monsieur A‘s distinctive signature in a small parking lot off Hollywood Boulevard. I’m torn on the newfound commercialism surrounding street art. On one hand, inspiring artists like Mark Jenkins and Dolk would be considered common criminals, and their amazing talents and unique views of the world would go to waste if it wasn’t for street art notoriety (which is now a prominent and acceptable art form thanks mostly to the illustrious Banksy). Still, I can’t help but be aware that street art is, at its core, anti-fame. Street artists are a clandestine society of masked thrill seekers, performing their feats of balance and creativity in the dark of night, taking pleasure in the risk of getting caught. Whether these artists get the fame and (hopefully) fortune they deserve for their talents, or prefer to lay low under cover of night, I love them, I love their individual styles and messages, and I love Exit Through the Gift Shop, even if it was a hoax.