MELBOURNE.- On 28 April the National Gallery of Victoria opened the latest project at NGV Studio, CHAZ: L.A. Hand Styles, an exhibition of work by legendary Los Angeles street artist Chaz Bojorquez.

Rising to prominence in the 1970s for his stylised skull stencil “Señor Suerte” (Mr. Luck), which has become a symbol of protection among street gangs, Bojorquez is now commonly acknowledged as a pioneer and “Godfather” of East Los Angeles “cholo” style graffiti.

Bojorquez was exposed to the uses, values and craft of these styles (known as placas) growing up, and his work is represented in numerous permanent museum collections including The Smithsonian Institute, National Museum of American Art, LACMA, MOCA and Laguna Art Museum.

Bojorquez exhibits and lectures internationally, and does “live” art performances demonstrating his unique letter styles.

CHAZ: L.A. Hand Styles exhibits a collection of skateboards, works on paper and stencils at NGV Studio for one week only and is presented as part of Carbon Festival 2012, an annual festival of style, culture and design.

NGV Studio is a contemporary exhibition and event space that provides opportunities for audience and artist engagement. It promotes new and experimental art forms, encouraging innovation and experimentation in content, context, interpretation and display.

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: “Since opening, Melburnians have embraced NGV Studio by showing their support both in presence by visiting the space at all hours of the day, and online too. The support has been phenomenal.”