Graffiti writer Michael “Iz the Wiz” Martin collapsed yesterday in his brother’s Florida home on Wednesday, apparently of a heart attack, according to the New York Daily News. The 49-year-old Queens native later died of complications.
Beginning his career in the early 70s, the legendary artist was recognized for his work on subway trains, his unique style, and his signature “Iz” tag. Before the city of Queens virtually eliminated graffiti art with enhanced security and new subway cars, he was a popular figure among old-school graffiti artists as well as the Hip Hop founders who they associated with.
He appeared in the 1983 documentary Style Wars, and featured in the film Wild Style.
In a blog, one friend, Alan Ket, said, “His style was always wild and psychedelic seemingly inspired by some far out LSD trip which took him to another universe. His whole cars reflected this and his walls and drawings also captured his other dimensions of existence. In an era where style mastery was strict and copy cats were plentiful IZ’s style was avant-garde and loose, his blockbusters true works of beauty.”
According to friends, Iz‘s health “had been in a steady decline” for the past 10 years. He relocated to Florida in order to live affordably and to gain access to more affordable and convenient health care.
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More about Iz‘s life and legacy can be seen [here].
