Art Plugged’s curator picks highlight artists who have piqued our interest for various reasons. These may include aesthetic appeal, social and cultural significance, or simply because we admire their work; our curator pick in this article is Angel “LAII” Ortiz. In the exuberant realm of New York Graffiti, where strokes of brilliance adorn brick and steel, Angel “LAII” Ortiz emerges as a distinctive force. A Puerto Rican artist whose urban hieroglyphics capture the raw vibrancy of the city, LAII is a living testament to the creative energy that pulses in the Big Apple’s veins.
Curator Picks: Angel Ortiz “LA II” Ortiz
His partnership with the iconic Keith Haring is a celebrated chapter of art history that shaped the aesthetic narrative of an era and continues to influence collectors and enthusiasts today.
LAII was more than just a collaborator; he was Haring’s key to the electrifying world of New York street art. With LAII serving as his guide, Haring plunged headfirst into New York’s pulsating Graffiti scene through The Non-Stoppers (TNS) – the largest graffiti crew in Lower East Side at the time. Their first joint venture, a distinctive NYC taxi hood covered in their combined signatures, fetched a handsome $1,400 – an early hint at the market’s impending appetite for their artistic vision.
Image Courtesy of Art Plugged
The 1980s saw their alliance flourish as they worked together, fusing their unique styles to create breathtaking murals, sculptures, train paintings, and a myriad of other creative objects. LAII’s signature style and technique, believed to have significantly influenced Haring’s solo work, left an indelible mark on the street art scene. At just 16, LAII boldly decided to leave high school in 1983 and join Haring on a global artistic expedition until 1985. During this time, their creative synergy birthed some of the most seminal works in contemporary art, etching their names into the annals of cultural history.
Image courtesy of D’stassi art
Our curator picks is a strong influence by LAII’s artistic journey, and partnership with Haring encapsulates a crucial part of New York’s Graffiti art history. It is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and a vivid demonstration of how art can echo the rhythm and spirit of a city. The works they created remain sought after, not merely as collectable pieces but as iconic symbols of an era. Their story is a compelling chapter in the chronicle of art, reminding us of the powerful resonance of urban creativity and the transformative potential of friendship.
Image courtesy of D’stassi art
The curator’s role is crucial in the realms of art curation and collection and in advocating for artists. They are the ones who illuminate the path for artists before anyone recognizes their potential or becomes captivated by their work. Art Plugged’s curator picks highlight artists who have piqued our interest for various reasons. These may include aesthetic appeal, social and cultural significance, or simply because we admire their work.
Read more about Angel “LAII” Ortiz in our interview
©2023 Angel “LAII” Ortiz
Len is a curator and a contributing writer at Art Plugged, a platform for contemporary art; he also engages in web development, design, and marketing.
