In partnership with Taco Bell.
Taco Bell is famous for a lot of things: their Cheesy Gordita Crunch, iconic Baja Blast, and of course, the unbeatable late-night bites. But recently, they’ve been making headlines for something that definitely wasn’t on my 2024 bingo card — art heists. Yeah, I know…
Back in 2003, American artist Mark T. Smith was commissioned to create three paintings for Taco Bell locations across the country. For those of us who regularly went to Taco Bell, those graffiti-inspired artworks became an iconic symbol of the brand. But in 2015, they started vanishing from restaurants, only to pop up later on the underground art market (yes, that’s a real thing).
Some of these stolen pieces have shockingly been listed for upwards of $10,000. With that kind of cash, you could buy about 1,500 Crunchwrap Supremes, 2000 Cheesy Gordita Crunches, or 5000 soft tacos. I had the chance to speak with Mark about his paintings being resold for this kind of cash. “It’s a form of flattery, even if it’s an illegal activity. It’s hard to reconcile, but as the creator, it’s better than seeing it smashed with a hammer.” A positive outlook! You love to see it.
It’s no wonder Taco Bell fans want Mark’s art on their own walls. The vibe inside their restaurants is unique. “You feel safe, it’s a familiar place, so it’s a good setting to experience something different,” he explained.
Want to hear the full saga behind these art heists? Tune into Pop Crime for all the details on how this bizarre phenomenon began. In the meantime, if you can’t afford to enter a bidding war on eBay, check out this guide below on how to achieve that signature Taco Bell aesthetic without needing to steal anything from the restaurants.
Go for Bold Colors
Purple, pink, and bright yellow might not be your usual color choices when putting together an outfit, but they’re the vibrant shades that set Taco Bell apart from other chains. So push yourself to unapologetically wear bold and bright shades. You know you’re the tac-o the town (ew, sorry for the pun!) so flaunt it!
Set the Mood with Neon Lights
Anyone can settle for a muted orange. But it takes a true icon to rock neon lights. Brighten up your space and channel that Taco Bell energy with neon flair.
Don’t Be Scared of Patterns
Solid colors? Yawn. It’s all about funky, nostalgic patterns. Whether you’re picking out new wallpaper, buying a ludicrously capacious bag, or feeling inspired to graffiti your living room walls, let your creativity run wild!
Make Art From Food
Raise your hand if you’ve walked into someone’s apartment and seen a boring framed collage of matchbooks. Let’s spice things up! Instead of matches, create a collage of Fire Sauce packets – or better yet, Diablo sauce if you want to take it up a notch.
And, Always Prioritize Snack Time
Snack time is arguably the best part of the day. So why do we treat it like a shameful activity that’s only enjoyed between meetings or alone in our rooms? Create a fun space to celebrate those precious moments when you get to enjoy a Cheesy Rollup or some Nacho Fries in peace. Snack time is your time — embrace it!
