Author's 'Kill Dick' Stencil Art Appears Across L.A.

Luke Goebel's spray-painted sidewalk designs spark controversy in the city.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:06am by Ben Kaplan

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Writer Luke Goebel has been leaving his mark across Los Angeles with a series of spray-painted 'Kill Dick' stencil designs on sidewalks throughout the city. Goebel, who recently drove down from San Francisco, has drawn both praise and criticism for his provocative artwork that has appeared in various neighborhoods.

Why it matters

Goebel's stencil art has sparked debate about the limits of free expression and whether his work constitutes vandalism or a legitimate form of political protest. The prevalence of his designs across L.A. has also raised questions about the city's ability to address unsanctioned public art projects.

The details

Goebel, a 34-year-old writer, has been creating the 'Kill Dick' stencils and spray-painting them on sidewalks throughout Los Angeles over the past few weeks. The designs feature a simple black stencil of the words 'Kill Dick' in a bold, block font. Goebel claims the artwork is a commentary on power structures and toxic masculinity, but authorities view it as an act of vandalism that defaces public property.

  • Goebel drove down from San Francisco to Los Angeles within the past few days.
  • The 'Kill Dick' stencils have appeared across L.A. over the past few weeks.

The players

Luke Goebel

A 34-year-old writer who has been creating and spray-painting 'Kill Dick' stencil designs on sidewalks across Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“I will just have to warn you I drove like 100 miles an hour through Big Sur.”

— Luke Goebel, Writer

The takeaway

Goebel's provocative artwork has sparked a debate about the balance between free expression and public property rights in Los Angeles. As the city grapples with how to address unsanctioned public art projects, the 'Kill Dick' stencils have become a lightning rod for discussions around the role of art in challenging societal norms.