Charles Bojórquez

Charles "Chaz" Bojórquez is a Mexican-American Chicano graffiti artist and painter from Los Angeles who is known for his work in Cholo-style calligraphy. He is credited with bringing the Chicano and Cholo graffiti style into the established art scene.

Personal life Charles Bojórquez was born in Highland Park, Los Angeles in 1949. He began his art career with street art, tagging in his hometown neighborhood in the early 1970s.

At Chouinard Art Institute, he learned the fundamentals of art from the school’s founder, Mrs. Nelbert Chouinard, who was a disciplinarian for art fundamentals for art education at the school. She wanted him and other students to draw and paint for at least six hours a day and was taught that drawing was the fundamental toolbox for all artists in all disciplines. He applied his training when he started graffiti, to paint with his presence and attitude. He says he paints his letters to reflect his pride in his culture and graffiti style.

In January 1979, Bojórquez set off on a global tour, studying communication and writing systems around the world. Bojórquez collected newspapers and other forms of typography, and studied the calligraphy of glyphs, engraved scripts, and tattoos. After Bojórquez concluded his journey and returned to Los Angeles in May 1980, he began to produce graffiti with a greater focus on typeface and calligraphy, and explored the use of canvas as a medium. His time abroad also influenced his positions on social issues, inspiring in his exploration into activism.

Señor Suerte Translated to “Mr. Lucky,” Señor Suerte is widely recognized as “LA's first stenciled graffito.”

Collaborations

In recent years, Bojórquez has been invited to collaborate with major international brands such as Nike, Converse, and Levi's to design shoes, clothing, skateboard decks, and more.