[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]t the last NELA Gallery Night, Shop Mi Vida hosted pop-up show Somos LA featuring the work of Los Angeles graffiti godfather Chaz Bojorquez. The legendary icon was generous with time and access as a line formed inside the store to meet the artist. Bojorquez also released exclusive gear such as limited edition pins, t-shirt, hats and jacket available online at somosla.net.
During the exhibition, there was a ongoing raffle for a limited edition bike collaboration that Bojorquez was offering up for grabs. It was a unique bike with a base coat of black and chrome accents, and vinyl decals perfectly placed on the frame and seat that show the masterful lettering style of Bojorquez.
From the diamond studded highway of the Arroyo Seco riverbed in the barrio of Highland Park, to the Smithsonian, Chaz Bojórquez has become a living legend as The GodFather of West Coast Graffiti.
Nearing a 50 year career mark, Chaz has changed the perception of Cholo graffiti writing into a well respected and influential art form. Bojórquez began his west-coast aesthetic in 1969, using Cholo style graffiti mixed with the disciplined Asian art form of calligraphy. Chaz brought an identity and unique aesthetic to a worldwide community, both as a street artist and a fine artist. Graffiti is a dialogue, and Chaz’s signature style is the language of East L.A. neighborhoods.
Graffiti has become central to the experience of every city. Somos L.A. brings the grit of the street into a tangible, wearable piece of calligrafitti history. If Graffiti had a soul, Somos L.A is it’s vessel. - somosla.net
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