Chaz Bojorquez 'Montana Can' HPM Available

Artist: Chaz Bojorquez
Title: Matte Black Montana Can
Medium: Hand Embellished Aerosol Can in Box
Size: 400ml
Edition: UNSURE
Prices: $95

 

Chaz Bojórquez, often hailed as the "Godfather of Los Angeles Graffiti Art," is a pioneering artist who elevated street tagging to a respected art form with a unique blend of urban culture and formal training. Born in Los Angeles in 1949, his artistic journey began with formal studies in painting, sculpture, and ceramics at the Universidad de Artes Plásticas in Guadalajara, the Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts), and California State University. Crucially, he also studied Asian calligraphy under Master Yun Chung Chiang, an influence that profoundly shaped his signature style.

Emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bojórquez was part of the Chicano art movement, using his art as a form of socio-political expression and cultural identity at a time when Mexican-American artists were largely absent from mainstream museums. His work draws inspiration from his East LA roots, incorporating elements like Old English lettering, which Chicano writers used to instill a sense of pride and importance in their words.

A turning point in his career came in 1979 when he embarked on a global tour, studying communication and writing systems across 35 countries. This journey solidified his focus on typeface and calligraphy, leading him to explore canvas as a medium and blurring the lines between high art and street art.

Over his four-decade career, Bojórquez has successfully transitioned from an underground rebel to a mainstream success. His iconic work, including the well-known "Señor Suerte" (Mr. Luck) character, is now held in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of American Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the National Museum of Mexican Art.