An anonymous artist, known only as Flod, has revealed himself as the creator of "Screeching Pinky," a beloved papier-mâché bird that has perched atop a long-stalled construction site in Los Angeles. The future of the iconic sculpture is now uncertain as development work on the site, nicknamed "Pillarhenge," has resumed.
For over a decade, Flod used recycled materials, including tomato cages, chicken wire, and pink house paint, to construct the 4-foot bird. It was hoisted onto the tallest of Pillarhenge's 70-foot pillars in 2014 by his nephew. Initially intended as a temporary, humorous addition to the unsightly construction site, which has been dormant since 2008, Pinky became a symbol of community resilience and affection. The sculpture inspired a dedicated following, complete with fan art, merchandise, and an online community.
Pinky's reign faced a significant challenge in April 2023 when construction workers, unaware of the sculpture's status, removed a deteriorating Pinky from its perch. The general contractor, Enrique Valdez of Azteca 111 Builder Inc., was met with protests from concerned locals who demanded the bird's return. Valdez, moved by the community's attachment, saved the sculpture from disposal and initiated a search for its creator.
Flod, who had remained in the shadows, watching Pinky's popularity grow, eventually came forward after seeing Valdez's appeal on the "Goodbye Pillarhenge Park" Facebook group. He met with Valdez, disclosed his identity, and declined any compensation, requesting only access to Pillarhenge. Flod then meticulously repaired and reinforced Pinky, using cloth dipped in paint to improve its durability.
As construction progresses on "The One on Colorado," a mixed-use development, Pinky is currently obscured from street view. While the site's owner and development team are reportedly in discussions about the bird's future, potentially relocating it to the building's lobby, Flod hopes for a favorable outcome for his creation. Despite the eventual completion of the housing project, Flod stated, "But I want the bird to win."
