DEFER (b. 1975)

Alex Kizu better known as DEFER is one of the most influential and pioneering figures to emerge from the Los Angeles graffiti and street art movement. Known for his intricate calligraphic abstractions and spiritual approach to visual language, DEFER’s work represents a profound evolution of urban art—bridging graffiti, fine art, and subconscious expression.

A founding member of legendary West Coast crews K2S (Kill to Succeed), STN, and KGB, DEFER came up in the first generation of LA graffiti writers in the early 1980s. Raised in Boyle Heights, his early pieces were forged in the tension, identity, and vibrancy of street culture. For DEFER, graffiti was more than visual—it was a declaration of existence, resistance, and individuality.

What began as masterful hardstyle’s and letterforms quickly evolved into something more abstract, gestural, and deeply spiritual. DEFER refers to his practice as Spiritual Language—a visual expression of movement, rhythm, and inner energy. Through layered compositions and instinctive linework, he produces immersive works that feel both chaotic and meditative, personal and universal.

“My ultimate goal in creating my works is to reach a ‘flow state’ or a sublime state of being—where the brush and paint flow effortlessly.”

DEFER’s intuitive, trance-like process channels a visual rhythm that goes beyond language. His paintings, whether on canvas or wall, invite introspection and emotional resonance—offering viewers a moment of stillness and connection amidst complexity.

While rooted in LA’s street culture, DEFER’s influence extends globally. His work has been exhibited in institutions such as the Getty Museum, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles), and L.A. Louver, as well as the landmark Beyond the Streets exhibitions (2019–2021). His collaborations with Nike, Jordan, Beats by Dre, and the LA Lakers have cemented his position at the intersection of fine art, street culture, and design.

Often compared to fellow LA legends like Chaz Bojórquez, Retna, Zes, and Saber, DEFER’s contribution to the West Coast graffiti canon is singular. He has been featured in Art in America, the Los Angeles Times, The History of American Graffiti, and Graffiti LA by Steve Grody. His work is preserved in the Getty Research Institute’s special collections as part of the renowned Liber Amicorum project—an honour reserved for those who have shaped the history of American street art.

Woodbury House is proud to represent DEFER as his exclusive distributor, bringing his visionary body of work to a global collector base. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating contemporary street and graffiti art as a refined, powerful form of cultural expression.

From the walls of Boyle Heights to the world’s leading art fairs, DEFER’s work is a visual and spiritual journey—both timeless and rooted in place. A trailblazer of abstract calligraphy and one of the most respected voices in contemporary graffiti, he continues to influence a new generation of artists while expanding the language of street art itself.

To learn more about DEFER, enquire about available works, or be the first to hear about upcoming exhibitions and events, we’d be delighted to connect.