DEFER is renowned as one of the pioneering members of the original Los Angeles graffiti scene. Though his name has become synonymous with West Coast street art, his distinct, flowing handstyle and spontaneous typographic “spiritual language” are equally grounded in fine art spaces, such as LA Louver, the Getty Research Institute, and LACMA. Join the Fowler and DISRUPT to welcome DEFER and learn more about how he built his career and what inspires his art, including Asian calligraphy, the Mexican American community of Los Angeles, and the use of stream-of-consciousness to weave deeper social and political commentaries into his work. 

Alex “DEFER” Kizu has been an integral part of the early graffiti art movement in Los Angeles, going back to the mid-1980’s, and is known for expertly rendering beautifully complex letter forms. His works on canvas have been displayed at various museums and galleries, including the LA Louver, the Getty Research Institute, LACMA, Pasadena Museum of California Art, and OTIS College of Design’s Ben Maltz Gallery. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Art In America, The Los Angeles Times, and Forbes. 

DISRUPT the Fowler
DISRUPT is a student-run UCLA organization that aims to establish inclusive spaces and create opportunities for students of all backgrounds to engage in creative collaborations. The Fowler is honored to partner with DISRUPT to offer programs that break down barriers in the art world and promote innovative ideation through inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Image credit: Image courtesy DEFER.