D’Stassi Art Presents Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz: The Great Collaborator – A Historic Exhibition

D’Stassi Art is thrilled to announce the opening of Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz: The Great Collaborator, a groundbreaking exhibition at the gallery’s flagship space in Shoreditch, London. Opening on May 10th, 2024, this highly anticipated show brings together some of the most influential names in contemporary street art, including STIK, Shepard Fairey, Mr. Doodle, and Mark Kostabi, all collaborating with the legendary Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz. The exhibition also includes a special collection of collaborative artworks between Angel and the late Richard Hambleton, created before Hambleton’s death in 2017. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the convergence of iconic artists working together in a way never seen before.

Opening Night:

• Date: 10th May 2024
• Time: 7 PM
• Location: D’Stassi Art, 12-18 Hoxton Street (Entrance on Drysdale Street), Shoreditch, London, N1 6NG

About Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz: The Great Collaborator

Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz is widely celebrated for his collaborative artistry and his foundational role in the street art movement. With over four decades of experience, Ortiz's work has influenced generations of artists and shaped the landscape of modern street art. His legacy is deeply intertwined with that of Keith Haring, whose partnership with Ortiz in the 1980s elevated both their careers and forever altered the trajectory of contemporary art.

Angel rose to prominence on the New York art scene in the late 1980s, where his innovative approach to collaboration caught the attention of Keith Haring. Haring, freshly arrived in New York, discovered Ortiz’s street tags and was immediately drawn to his unique visual language. The two quickly became artistic partners, combining their individual styles into iconic works that took them from the streets of New York to international galleries and museums. Together, they created a distinctive fusion of pop culture, graffiti, and visual storytelling, collaborating on paintings, sculptures, and clothing that transcended the art world.

Now, decades later, Angel Ortiz is experiencing a renaissance—his influence continues to resonate across generations of contemporary artists, and The Great Collaborator exhibition is a testament to the power of his ongoing creative collaborations. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how Ortiz's work has evolved over the years and how his collaborations with other artistic legends have shaped the world of street art.

The Exhibition: A Historic Collaboration

The Great Collaborator will feature new collaborative artworks between Angel Ortiz and several iconic street artists, including STIK, Shepard Fairey, Mr. Doodle, and Mark Kostabi. These collaborations are a celebration of the creative energy and cross-pollination that Ortiz has fostered throughout his career. His influence can be seen not only in his individual work but also in his ability to inspire and collaborate with artists from all walks of life.

Additionally, the exhibition will showcase collaborative works between Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz and the late Richard Hambleton, one of the founding figures of street art. These works, created before Hambleton's death in 2017, highlight the deep connection between these two giants of the street art world and offer a glimpse into the artistic dialogue that spanned across generations. This segment of the exhibition is especially poignant, as it represents the unspoken bond between two trailblazing artists who pushed the boundaries of what street art could be.

D’Stassi Art is dedicated to honoring Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz's legacy and celebrating his profound influence on the street art world. Through this exhibition, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how Ortiz's vision and collaboration have shaped the evolution of contemporary urban art, making him an undisputed icon of the genre.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Innovation

Michael Howes and Edward Sanders, co-founders of D’Stassi Art, reflect on the significance of this exhibition:

“This will mark our most exciting exhibition to date. It is a privilege to be part of Angel’s incredible story and to have such respected and successful artists supporting Angel and the gallery. This feels like a significant milestone for D’Stassi Shoreditch. This exhibition will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase a fraction of the incredible influence and inspiration Angel has shared with his peers over the last 40 years. From tagging in the streets of the Lower East Side with ‘TNS’ and SOE, to collaborating with legends like STIK and Shepard Fairey, Angel’s long-overdue renaissance is a testament to his enduring legacy and the respect he commands amongst his fellow artists. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it firsthand.”

The exhibition also features a special treat for attendees: Angels’ best friend of over 40 years will be joining the opening night as a DJ, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Artists Behind the Collaborations

This exhibition is a rare opportunity to witness the cross-pollination of talent between Angel Ortiz and other world-renowned street artists. Here’s a glimpse of the collaborators involved in The Great Collaborator:

• STIK: Known for his minimalist stick-figure characters, STIK has become one of the most recognized street artists globally. His work conveys deep social messages through simplicity, and his collaboration with Angel Ortiz represents a fusion of two powerful artistic voices.

• Shepard Fairey: The iconic artist behind the famous Obey Giant campaign, Shepard Fairey’s work blends political activism with bold, graphic design. His collaboration with Angel Ortiz brings together two forces known for their impactful imagery and social commentary.

• Mr. Doodle: A rising star in the street art scene, Mr. Doodle’s playful, surreal, and intricate doodle-filled works have earned him a global following. His collaboration with Angel Ortiz brings a new dimension to both artists' work.

• Mark Kostabi: Known for his figurative, pop-culture-inspired paintings, Mark Kostabi has a long history of collaboration with other artists. His work with Angel Ortiz promises to be a striking exploration of contemporary art’s intersection with street culture.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

The Great Collaborator is more than just an art exhibition—it's an exploration of legacy, influence, and the power of collaboration in the street art world. Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz has not only shaped his own artistic path but has also been instrumental in the development of the global street art movement. His partnerships with Keith Haring, Richard Hambleton, and other influential artists have left an indelible mark on contemporary culture.

This exhibition offers an unprecedented chance to witness the next chapter in Angel Ortiz’s story—one that bridges generations of artists and celebrates the ongoing evolution of street art.

Exhibition Details:

• Opening Night: Friday, 10th May 2024, 7 PM
• Exhibition Duration: May 10th – June 2024 (dates may vary)
• Location: D’Stassi Art, 12-18 Hoxton Street (Entrance on Drysdale Street), London, N1 6NG
• RSVP: [RSVP Here]

Don't miss out on this historic event – RSVP today!