Description:

ANGEL ORTIZ LA II (PUERTO RICAN B. 1967)
Untitled,
acrylic on canvas
81.2 x 71.1 cm (32 x 28 in)

signed on the verso

PROVENANCE
Private collection, New York

LOT NOTES
LA II (Angel Ortiz) (American, b. 1967) was a foundational figure in the New York graffiti movement of the early 1980s. Growing up in the Lower East Side, Ortiz developed a signature "tagging" style characterized by dense, interlocking lines and calligraphic flourishes. In 1980, at age 13, he began a high-profile artistic partnership with Keith Haring. While Haring is often associated with the recognizable figures in their collaborative works, it was Ortiz who provided the intricate "background" fill and rhythmic linework that defined the duo's aesthetic. His influence helped transition street-level graffiti into the commercial gallery space, and his work has since been exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Haus der Kunst in Munich.

The present work features a saturated yellow surface entirely covered in the artist’s characteristic black marker "tunnels." The composition relies on a continuous, improvisational line that avoids a singular focal point, instead creating an all-over pattern of abstract shapes, squiggles, and stylized symbols. Unlike the more structured figurative works of his peers, this piece focuses on the kinetic energy of the gesture itself. The high contrast between the black ink and the yellow ground emphasizes the precision of the linework, which is executed with the speed and confidence typical of a seasoned street artist.

As interest in the 1980s New York art scene continues to grow, LA II’s individual contributions are increasingly recognized by scholars and collectors alike. This painting is a representative example of his solo practice, showcasing the "Graffiti-Pop" style that he pioneered. It serves as a visual record of a specific era in American art history where the boundaries between public tagging and fine art were first dismantled. The work remains a significant document of Ortiz's role as a primary innovator of the calligraphic graffiti vernacular.

N.B. Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions & Appraisals LLC and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions & Appraisals, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

List of Recommended Art/Antiques Packers and Shippers
- Global Transit Group (Rostislav), Tel. +1 (718) 449-1971, email: [email protected]) (Eastern Europe/Poland, and general worldwide shipping
- DG Moving Services (Dennis): +1 (914) 433-9764, email: [email protected]>
- ArtFira Shipping (Alex), Tel. +1 (917) 573-5688, email: [email protected] (also Eastern Europe Specialists)
- UPS Store New Rochelle, tel. (914) 633-6673, email: [email protected]
- UPS Store Mt. Kisco, tel. (914) 666-4336, email: [email protected]

List of Art/Antiques Shuttles and Delivery Services
- DG Moving Services (Dennis): +1 (914) 433-9764, email: [email protected] (NYC Greater Metropolitan Area, Mid-Atlantic, New England)
- Crossroads Delivery (Arthur): +1 (917) 807-3758, email: [email protected] (NYC Greater Metropolitan Area, Mid-Atlantic, New England, 95 Corridor to Miami, Chicago, California)
- Bob Glass: +1 (860) 608-8873, [email protected] (New England<->NYC)
- Cadogan Tate, https://cadogantate.com (Continental US)

Shipping Policies
- All items must be paid for before they can be released.
- Clients are free to choose their own shippers, and these recommendations are provided only for convenience. We will not accept liability for any recommendations of shippers.
- The purchaser is responsible for insuring their items in transit. Once items have been picked-up or released to a shipper, they are no longer covered under our insurance.
- Payment for shipment and arrangements for shipment, must be made with the shipper directly. Please feel free to ask for competitive shipment quotes pre or post-auction by referring to the auction date and lot number, when contacting the recommended shippers.
- Taxes must be paid on all items picked up in person, unless you present a valid resale certificate, or a common shipment courier is collecting for shipment out of state and can provide a bill of lading or a airwaybill number.
- To pick-up your items in person: Please call us at +1 (212) 717-7500 to make an appointment to pick up your items in person. If someone else whose name is not on the invoice will be picking up on your behalf, please email or fax us authorizing us to release your property to that person. Payment for all items must have been received and cleared, before merchandise can be released

March 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Bedford Hills, NY, US

Shapiro Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $999,999:
25.00%
$1,000,000 - $4,499,999:
20.00%
$4,500,000+:
13.90%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $299,999 $20,000
$300,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000