ALBERTO MERCADO aka LAVA I II (1954 - 2020) D.J... Lot 5

ALBERTO MERCADO aka LAVA I II (1954 - 2020) D.J LAVA Marker on canvas Signed and annotated Est(ablished):1970-75 on back 50,5 x 40,5 cm Provenance: Private collection LAVA I II, also known as StraightMan and by his real name Alberto Mercado, began painting in the 1970s, at first on buses and walls to mark the territory of the "Black Spade" gang of which he was a member. Then his brother, KoolBreeze I, pushed him to paint on subway cars and nicknamed him Lava (after the brand of cleaning soap). He was one of the first to promote DJs and rappers when the movement was in its infancy. He is best known for his Bubble and Broadway lettering style.