Rappel Graffiti Artists Scale LA's Skyscrapers

A new generation of daring graffiti writers are taking their art to new heights, literally, by rappelling down the sides of buildings to create massive, eye-catching pieces.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A highly stylized, brightly colored silkscreen print depicting a rappelling harness and rope repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the tools and equipment used by the daring rappel graffiti artists to access and paint the sides of tall buildings in Los Angeles.The daring rappel graffiti artists of Los Angeles scale the city's skyscrapers, leaving their mark in bold, eye-catching displays that push the boundaries of urban art.Los Angeles Today

A group of rappel graffiti artists in Los Angeles, including ENDEM, EXR, SKEAM, REWTS, DSABL, SKIE and DOMES, have been scaling the sides of skyscrapers and other tall buildings to create large-scale graffiti pieces that are visible from the streets below. This highly dangerous practice, known as rappel graffiti, has allowed the artists to leave their mark in prominent locations across the city, often staying up for weeks before being removed.

Why it matters

Rappel graffiti represents the evolution of an art form that has long been associated with LA's urban landscape. While traditional graffiti has been a fixture for decades, this new generation of writers is pushing the boundaries by accessing hard-to-reach spaces and creating pieces that stand out from the norm, sparking both admiration and concern from the community.

The details

The rappel graffiti artists use specialized equipment like ropes, harnesses, and belay devices to scale the sides of buildings and paint their large-scale pieces. The process requires careful planning, quick execution, and a high tolerance for risk, as a single mistake could be fatal. The artists have developed techniques to access rooftops and navigate the tricky logistics of working high above the ground.

  • The Wilson Building graffiti piece remained in place for more than six weeks, from January to mid-March.
  • ENDEM estimates he has completed over 100 rappel graffiti pieces, including work in Mexico during the cartel wars.

The players

ENDEM

A prominent rappel graffiti artist who has gained recognition for his well-placed pieces, fueled by his experience in rigging. He has done over 100 rappel graffiti works, including in Mexico during the cartel wars.

EXR

A rappel graffiti artist with a background in design and military mountaineering, who was part of the team that created the Wilson Building piece.

SKEAM

One of the rappel graffiti artists whose name appeared on the Wilson Building piece.

REWTS

A respected LA graffiti artist with a decade-plus career who has recently taken up rappel graffiti, bringing his skills and experience to the new medium.

DSABL

A rappel graffiti artist who believes the practice is adding a new generation of writers to LA's long-standing graffiti culture.

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What they’re saying

“Going over the edge, it really never gets old. No two buildings are the same. No two rappels are the same. Once you go over the edge and the GriGri [a braking belay device] has you, it's always a very, very good feeling and a humbling feeling knowing, holy shit, your whole life is in the hands of this one little device.”

— ENDEM

“That mission was legendary. The coordinated teamwork involved to get that spot felt like a special forces mission.”

— EXR

“In a place like LA, [rappel graffiti] is definitely adding the new generation of writers. LA's always been known for graffiti. But now, there are people who are standing out above others. It's a new generation coming up that's leaving their mark now for the future.”

— DSABL

“I do not recommend anyone to rappel if they don't know what they are doing. It's a dangerous activity and it could cost your life. Having the right system doing it is very important. In the beginning, you check everything twice. Later, you get too comfortable and make a mistake.”

— ZWON

“If they are done correctly, they look amazing. It's a good way for writers to showcase their above-the-ground work. I do see a lot of pretty sloppy, unstructured work being done on ropes. Everyone should have their fun, and we are always learning, but from a standpoint and belief in quality, I think putting time and effort into planning and practicing before you risk your life for a rappel would be my best advice.”

— ZONER

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new generation of rappel graffiti artists is pushing the boundaries of an art form that has long been associated with LA's urban landscape. While their work is undeniably bold and visually striking, the extreme risks they take to create these pieces raise serious concerns about public safety and the legality of their actions. As the practice continues to evolve, the community will have to grapple with how to balance the artistic merits of this work with the very real dangers it poses.