Week 7 - Graffiti is Art Charles “Chaz” Bojórquez

Our voices create our identity, defining our values, needs, and expressions. The identity and voice of an artist is their artwork, allowing them to express their view of the world. Graffiti is an art form that provides an artist with the tools for forming creative identity and self-expression. Yet graffiti is a polarized art form as on the one hand it is stereotyped and inherently feared as a form of vandalism and deviant behavior signifying a loss of moral control in an area, or it is viewed as free form art and supported by the community. Although there has been growing support graffiti will always retain a youthful presence as it facilitates young artists to seek and create self-expression and self-esteem. How has the evolution of the graffiti art form within Los Angeles affect and inspire artist Charles “Chaz” Bojórquez? 

Author Chaz Bojorquez recalls his journey with “cholo” style graffiti in the 1960’s confronting him forcing him to acknowledge his Latino culture. The history of “Cholo” gang-style and graffiti began in the 1930s as a form of protection and claiming territory. Yet the zoot suiters revolution within Los Angeles combating assimilation through the formation of their language and fashion formulated tag names and a unique graffiti language.  Cholo graffiti as an art form by the neighborhood for the neighborhood highly impacted Chaz, for example, the use of placas or territorial marking is a pledge of allegiance to the neighborhood which can be passed down from generation to generation.  Chaz’s placa which represented him, and his streets was the Smiling Skull created in 1969, the image showcases Señor Suerte (Mr. Lucky) with a pimp hat, fur coat, fingers crossed for luck, and a big Dr. Sardonicus smile. The skull of Señor Suerte represents rebirth and the gangster symbol of protection from death. This Smiling Skull has been embraced by the gang and low rider community as a tattoo of honor, that one can only receive when they have earned it.