:: BerDerp™ ::

my buddy plug1 over @ whatimseeing invited me along for some fotosnappin’ tonight of a memorial mural recently done for “Iz the Wiz” aka Michael Martin, who passed away suddenly while in Florida at the young age of 51. I really enjoy graff (as any frequenter to Berderp knows) but I just hadn’t done enuff homework I suppose  & am just now stumbling across the legendary: Iz the Wiz. So here’s a short shout-out to a sorely missed figure in the graffiti culture.  [can any one identify who did this piece below?]

Iz began his career in the early 70’s, being a Queen’s native, and had a nascent rise to the creme de la creme as one of NYC’s prolific graff artist . Known for his popular “Iz” tag,  he was featured in the venerable Style Wars documentary, and also appeared in Wild Style. He held the title of “All-City” King for many, many years throughout the 70’s & 80’s.  But so many years of inhaling aerosol fumes without protective masks lead to kidney issues in the 90’s, and then finally his passing away last month.

12oz prophet has quite a bit of links on him

you can see more of IZ’s work here & here.