Skip to main content

Al Diaz Art

American, b. 1959
Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented street artist whose career spans 5 decades. Diaz is best known for his collaboration with Jean Michel Basquiat on SAMO(c), graffiti that appeared in lower Manhattan from 1977 to 1979. SAMO(c) initially known for its wit and sarcastic humor, became a globally recognized graffito after Basquiat’s rise to fame. Diaz currently works with the WET PAINT Service Change Alert signs used throughout the New York City subway system — cutting out individual letters from multiple signs to create clever, surreal and sometimes poignant anagrams. The reworked signage is then posted back onto subway walls. His earlier WET PAINT work is featured in Nicholas Ganz’s new book “Street Messages”. Diaz exhibits regularly and has been a featured speaker on a variety of panel discussions, including at The New School, The Museum of the City of New York, NOLA Arts Festival in New Orleans, and The New York Public Library as part of a discussion panel on the Basquiat Notebooks. Al Diaz lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
to
6
12
12
5
IT WILL NOT DISAPPEAR IF WE JUST IGNORE IT
By Al Diaz
Located in North Adams, MA
"IT WILL NOT DISAPPEAR IF WE JUST IGNORE IT," Al Diaz, 2022 Silkscreen on 290 gram Coventry Rag paper with hand deckled edges Dimensions: 18" x 37" An edition of 10 Signed and numbered by the Artist Note that the edition number you receive may be different than the one in the photograph. Al Díaz’s career spans five decades. Born and raised Puerto Rican in New York City, by age 15 he was an influential first-generation subway graffiti artist known as “BOMB-ONE.” His friendship and artistic collaboration with high school schoolmate Jean-Michel Basquiat on SAMO, (a late 70s Avant-garde graffiti tag project) has been noted often in contemporary art history. Díaz later contributed percussion to numerous musical recordings and performances, including Basquiat’s historic 1983 record, “Beat Bop,” (considered to be one of the earliest hip-hop albums). Díaz is sought-after as an expert of New York City counterculture art. He appears often in publications, as a highlighted speaker for a variety of panel discussions at universities and museums (including Smithsonian Institution, the Brooklyn Museum, The New School and Christie’s Education), and has been featured in several films, including Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat, BBC’s American Masters — Basquiat: Rage to Riches and Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child. In 2018, Díaz authored "SAMO …SINCE 1978", an in-depth, color illustrated history of the street art legacy that he began with Basquiat in the late 70s. A notebook that Díaz made with Basquiat in his teens is currently held in the collection of the Yale University Beinecke Library.
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Screen

SAMO(c) As an End to.../ We Await a New Time (Double Sided Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Amazing double sided Original Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is also famous for being part of the 70’s- 80’s SAMO© duo with Jean Michel Basquiat. One side has thought provoking text by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paper, Adhesive, Tape, Board

"ALL WAR IS IN BAD TASTE"
By Al Diaz
Located in North Adams, MA
"ALL WAR IS IN BAD TASTE," Al Diaz, 2022 Silkscreen on 320 gram Coventry Rag paper Dimensions: 14" x 20" Signed and numbered by the Artist in pencil An edition of 50 Al Díaz’s career spans five decades. Born and raised Puerto Rican in New York City, by age 15 he was an influential first-generation subway graffiti artist known as “BOMB-ONE.” His friendship and artistic collaboration with high school schoolmate Jean-Michel Basquiat on SAMO, (a late 70s Avant-garde graffiti tag project) has been noted often in contemporary art history. Díaz later contributed percussion to numerous musical recordings and performances, including Basquiat’s historic 1983 record, “Beat Bop,” (considered to be one of the earliest hip-hop albums...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Other Medium

SAMO(c)…4 The Sedate... (Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Very cool SAMO© Original Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is also famous for being the other half of 70’s- 80’s SAMO© duo along with Jean Michel Basquiat. Large text hand written in perma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Board, Permanent Marker

SAMO(c) As an Alternative... /Went 2 Big City...(Double Sided Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Amazing double sided Original Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is also famous for being the other half of 70’s- 80’s legendary SAMO© duo along with Jean Michel Basquiat. One side has Went...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paper, Board, Permanent Marker

SAMO(c) 4 the Indirectly.../ I Stare at a Wall (Double Sided Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Large double sided Original Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is also famous for being the other half of 70’s- 80’s SAMO© duo along with Jean Michel Basquiat. One side has I Stare At The W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paper, Board, Permanent Marker

SAMO(c) As an End... /Far 2 Embarrassing 2 Admit (Double Sided Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Amazing double sided Original Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is also famous for being the other half of 70’s- 80’s SAMO© duo along with Jean Michel Basquiat. One side has Far 2 Embarras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paper, Board, Permanent Marker

SAMO(c) As a. Suggestive.../ Accept and Embrace..(Double Sided Original Artwork)
By Al Diaz
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Amazing double sided Original Mixed Media Artwork by Al Diaz. Al Diaz is known for being the other half of the world famous SAMO© duo along with Jean Michel Basquiat in the 70's- 80'...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paper, Board, Permanent Marker

A Cerebral Assault
By Al Diaz
Located in New York, NY
Al Diaz A Cerebral Assault, 2019 Mixd media on canvas 12 x 10 in Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented street a...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Ghost Painting
By Al Diaz
Located in New York, NY
Ghost Painting 2021 mixed media on canvas 21 x 30 inches Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented street artist wh...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Forgotten Names and Places
By Al Diaz
Located in New York, NY
Al Diaz Forgotten Names and Places, 2019 Mixed media on canvas 30 x 40 in Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Qualified Candidates
By Al Diaz
Located in New York, NY
Qualified Candidates 2020 mixed media on plywood 45 inch diameter Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented street ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Related Items
Lilies (Collage, Landscape, Trees, Leaves, Flowers, Teal, Red)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Aster Da Fonseca Lilies Collage on Wood Panel Year: 2023 Size: 12x12in Signed and inscribed by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1690 Tags: Acrylic pain...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Tape, Acrylic, Wood Panel

"I-76" Abstract cityscape, water motif, street signs, street lights
By Miriam Singer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "I-76" is original artwork made from pencil, marker, carborundum drypoint print adhered to panel by Miriam Singer. This piece measures 10"h x 6"w. Miriam Singer grew up in Buffalo, New York, In 2000 she received her BA from Brandeis University, and in 2003 her MFA from Massachusetts College of Art. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2004; Miriam Singer has exhibited at James Oliver Gallery. Stanek Gallery, LG Tripp Gallery, Woodmere Art Museum, Space 1026, Friends of the Print and Picture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Panel, Permanent Marker, Pencil, Drypoint

Cherry Betty Boop - Colorful Abstract Figurative Cartoon Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Permanent Marker

Chamonix, France Alps, Skiing Art, Mountain Painting, Black and White Landscape
Located in Deddington, GB
Landscape, skiing, black and white, mountain, snow, france. Sam Gare is available online and in our gallery at Wychwood Art. Samantha Gare Chamonix, France Alps Pen, Marker and Pastel on Mountboard Framed (gray box...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Pastel, Board, Pen, Permanent Marker

Motherwell- Mostly Mozart - HAND SIGNED Limited Edition Screen-print
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This first edition screenprint, designed and created by renowned artist Robert Motherwell, was commissioned for the Mostly Mozart Festival presented at the Lincoln Center for the Per...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Screen

Cowboy Cat - Whimsical Colorful Figurative Western Animal Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Other Medium, Permanent Marker

Ink in the Room, from Some New Prints
By David Hockney
Located in Bristol, GB
23-colour screenprint on Arches 88 paper Edition 37 of 68 + 14 AP's Signed, numbered, dated and blindstamped by publisher on the front (Gemini G.E.L.) Excellent, with minor loss of s...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Screen

Lover 2 - Figurative Pink Pin Up Cowgirl Western Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker

Mona Lisa Mickey Mouse Manga Cartoon Pop Art by British Urban Graffiti Artist
By Chris Pegg
Located in Preston, GB
Mona Lisa Mickey Mouse Manga Cartoon Pop Art by British Urban Graffiti Artist, Chris Pegg. This striking mixed media artwork by Chris Pegg exemplifies his vibrant, satirical style t...
Category

2010s Pop Art Al Diaz Art

Materials

Metal

"North Broad" Abstract cityscape, geometric pattern, triangle, mixed media panel
By Miriam Singer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "North Broad" is an original artwork made from pencil, marker, acrylic gouache collage on panel by Miriam Singer. This piece measures 6"h x 6"w and is signed on the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Gouache, Panel, Permanent Marker, Pencil

"building up" abstract cityscape, geometric, pencil, marker, acrylic on panel
By Miriam Singer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "building up" is original artwork made from pencil, marker, acrylic paint on panel by Miriam Singer. This piece measures 6"h x 6"w. Miriam Singer grew up in Buffalo, New York, In 2000 she received her BA from Brandeis University, and in 2003 her MFA from Massachusetts College of Art. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2004; Miriam Singer has exhibited at James Oliver Gallery. Stanek Gallery, LG Tripp Gallery, Woodmere Art Museum, Space 1026, Friends of the Print and Picture Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Watercolor, Panel, Permanent Marker, Pencil

Love Hurts - Colorful Figurative Pin Up Cowgirl Western Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker

Previously Available Items
Alien Cubism #3
By Al Diaz
Located in New York, NY
Al Diaz Alien Cubism 3, 2018 Mixed media on sheet metal 24 x 18 inches Al Diaz is an influential, first generation New York City graffiti artist, who later became a text oriented st...
Category

2010s Contemporary Al Diaz Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Al Diaz art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Al Diaz art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Al Diaz in mixed media, fabric, linen and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Al Diaz art, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jo Baskerville, David Kramer, and Casey Vogt. Al Diaz art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $13,000, while the average work can sell for $3,750.

Artists Similar to Al Diaz

Recently Viewed

View All