Just after dawn on a recent weekday, I met three members of Operation Under (OU) at an unremarkable parking lot in LA County. This collective of graffiti artists, painters, and urban anthropologists donned rubber boots and high-visibility vests, bypassed a “No Trespassing” sign, and entered a drainage tunnel.

As we ventured into the darkness, our path was illuminated by flashlights. Near the entrance, remnants of graffiti faded into scuttling roaches and nesting birds. “One of our principles is that we don’t leave breadcrumbs back to the entrance,” OU member Evan Skrederstu explained, wading through murky water. Half an hour later, the tunnel opened into a chamber featuring two OU pieces: Skrederstu’s painting of a wild-eyed woman breaking through a wall and a portrait of a Xoloitzcuintli dog by Tank One. As we continued, we encountered a family of raccoons, prompting a quick retreat.

This tunnel is one of over 100 that OU has explored and adorned over the past seven years. The exhibition “Life Underground” at Superchief Gallery showcases their work, featuring original pieces and documentation of their adventures. The gallery walls are covered in painted banners, and a tunnel set includes raccoons and a faux tattoo studio. A panel discussion will take place on August 24 with Skrederstu, author Susan Phillips, and other experts.

OU members, including tattoo artists and scenic painters, bring technical finesse to their work. The exhibition reflects their eclectic style, showcasing graffiti tags, Aztec imagery, and pop culture references like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Operation Under began on January 1, 2017, when ESK31 and fellow artist Ser@la painted in a tunnel they had discovered as kids. This marked the start of many “missions” across LA County, evolving organically over time.

Angelenos have long left marks on urban infrastructure, but OU’s approach unites their tunnel art into a cohesive collective work. They aim to create lasting pieces that resist erasure by authorities and fellow artists. “They got frustrated with how much effort goes into creating art only to have it buffed,” said Superchief co-founder Bill Dunleavy.

While some members use spray paint, most prefer brushes and acrylics, which are more durable and less likely to draw police attention. “Photography is our means of visibility,” OU member Sick noted, allowing them to control how their work is represented and monetized.

Despite the illicit nature of their activities, OU’s project embodies youthful curiosity and exploration. “It’s like time travel meets urban history,” Phillips said. “OU creates openings into parts of society that people don’t talk about.”

Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com