IZ the Wiz, RIP. Graffiti Pioneer and NYC Bombing Legend

I was saddened to hear about the passing of one of the true legends of NYC Graffiti- IZ the Wiz, TMB. A focus of the early mainstream coverage IZ was a major influence on writers the world over.

A short bio from from at149st

IZ THE WIZ is without question one of New York City’s most prolific writers. IN aka KILL 3 is credited with the most extensive all-city bomb in NYC during 1975 and 76, but IZ was the longest reigning all-city king in NYC history, taking the title many times throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

IZ was well known for his throw-ups in the mid 1970s on the IND and BMT subway divisions. In the late 1970s he broadened his focus by working on top-to-bottoms, burners and scenery whole cars on the presteigious 2 and 5 lines of the IRT subway division. During this period he silmultaneously maintained all-city throw-up king status.

He painted for a variety of top level crews. He has served as president of The Master Blasters and the Queens division of Prisoners Of Graffiti. He has also painted for The Odd Partners, The Crew, The Three Yard Boys and others too numerous to mention. IZ appeared in the documentary film Style Wars and portrayed a transit police detective in the film Wild Style. His work has been displayed in museums and gallerys throughout the world. His most recent exhibition was at the Queens Museum of Art in June 2001.