Establishing a new urban artistry record has sparked a contentious debate in Los Angeles. Vandals have taken over a 27-floor abandoned high-rise, adorning its windows with vibrant graffiti.

In an audacious act of creative defiance, more than a dozen artists infiltrated the Oceanwide Plaza skyscraper development, transforming it into a towering canvas adorned with phrases like “Crave,” “Dank,” and “Amen.” Inspired by a similar graffiti event during Art Basel Miami Beach, the artists selected the long-abandoned site opposite the Crypto.com Arena to showcase their creativity.

From an abandoned construction project to an expressive statement, the graffiti-laden L.A. skyscraper now raises a critical question: Is this act a bold assertion of creativity or a violation of private property rights? The dramatic transformation of Oceanwide Plaza from an empty shell to a colorful canvas has altered the iconic L.A. skyline. This act of defacement has ignited a passionate debate over the distinction between art and vandalism. The striking metamorphosis challenges many to reconsider the boundaries of artistic expression and the consequences of painting on unclaimed urban landscapes.

Kevin de León, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, called on the building owners to take action regarding the vacant property. “The city of L.A. has already served the property owners to comply with a deadline instructing them to fulfill their responsibilities,” Mr. de León said during a news conference. He could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

Street art has long been a contentious issue in California, with opposing viewpoints clashing over whether murals are vandalism or cultural expression. Graffiti in Los Angeles has evolved from clandestine tags to monumental murals that dominate cityscapes, such as the Oceanside Plaza. L.A.’s graffiti scene has provided a platform for political expression, social commentary, and personal identity, driven by pioneering artists and collectives who blur the line between vandalism and visionary art.

The artists behind the Oceanwide Plaza graffiti straddle the line between defiance and artistry, challenging perceptions and reshaping urban landscapes. Following the graffiti incident, law enforcement presence intensified, resulting in arrests and armed responses to reports of gunfire, highlighting the area’s tension and prompting urgent calls for cleanup and security measures from City Councilman Kevin de León.

Amid concerns over urban blight, there is a growing demand for a city-wide cleanup initiative in Los Angeles to address decay and revitalize neglected spaces. The graffiti-covered tower symbolizes the city’s urban decay and homelessness crisis, sparking national dialogue and emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

For years, Los Angeles has been a battleground where vibrant graffiti clashes with efforts to maintain aesthetics and property values. The recent spectacle at Oceanwide Plaza represents a culmination of the city’s struggle with graffiti, marking a turning point in its fight against visual disorder. This incident underscores a moment of reckoning for city officials, prompting a reevaluation of strategies to balance artistic expression with urban cleanliness and safety.

Efforts are underway to reclaim and protect Oceanwide Plaza through enhanced security measures. These upgrades aim to safeguard the luxury development, signaling a commitment to its potential as a premier downtown L.A. destination. The collaboration between law enforcement, property management, and city representatives marks a significant step towards revitalizing Oceanwide Plaza.

Stefano Bloch, a cultural geographer, a professor at the University of Arizona, and a former graffiti artist, said the graffiti had helped draw attention to the incomplete project while noting that the intruders still broke the law. “This is people taking it upon themselves to use a space that in many ways was abandoned by people with money and power,” said Mr. Bloch, a Los Angeles native.

Despite differing opinions, the graffiti remains a bold statement that has captivated L.A. residents and the world. Situated across from prominent landmarks like the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the site’s significance is amplified, drawing attention to the intersection of art, commerce, and public space.

Those responsible for the graffiti might not face the same harsh legal repercussions as in the past, Mr. Bloch said. Decades ago, graffiti artists faced prison sentences, but now they are more likely to be fined for vandalism and trespassing, he said. “In the 1990s, there was this moral panic about graffiti being linked to gangs, but times have changed,” Mr. Bloch said. “Even if people don’t like it — and they’re entitled not to like it — they understand that graffiti is not connected to violence.”

The graffiti incident at Oceanwide Plaza serves as a wake-up call for Los Angeles, urging stakeholders to address broader issues of urban decay and homelessness. Moving forward, the city must adopt innovative solutions that balance artistic expression with preserving public and private spaces. The incident at Oceanwide Plaza is poised to catalyze a more strategic approach to urban development, security, and community engagement in Los Angeles.