By Justina Bonilla
“If you ain’t got tatted by Cartoon, you ain’t got no tat. If you ain’t get shot by Estevan, you got a weak photographer.” – Snoop Dogg
Over the years, Netflix has become a surprising mainstreaming platform for promoting Latino created and orientated streaming content, in both English and Spanish internationally. One of its newest documentaries, LA Originals highlights the cultural impact of two Chicano artists, graffiti/tattoo artist Mister Cartoon and photographer/director Estevan Oriol. Examining how their combined artistic abilities brought Los Angeles street art culture from the underground into the mainstream, nationally and internationally.
Mister Cartoon started drawing at a young age, showing skills beyond his years. Inspired by hip-hop, LA culture, ethnic identity and prison art, he spent his teen years mastering his eye-catching signature graffiti art style, despite the legal ramifications for his art. Ultimately, he became a fixture and underground celebrity in the LA and west coast graffiti art scenes. Building a reputation as a graffiti and airbrush artist, Cartoon branched out into mural art and album cover art. Then, found tattooing, giving birth to the striking new wave of gray scale Chicano infused tattoos. His list of tattooed clients varies from hip-hip icons (Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Eminem), punk rockers (Blink-182), pop divas (Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé) and NBA icon Kobe Bryant. Today, Cartoon continues to be a highly sought-after artist, especially for his tattoos, exotic custom lowriders, and original art for major companies (Nike and T-Mobile).
Estevan Oriol gained an interest in photography through his father, who was a photographer. As a road manager for live music tours, he took pictures and film, capturing candid moments behind the scenes and the mayhem of a live show. Oriol’s exceptional talent in photography lead to these photos being sold and featured in music magazines (Vibe, FHM, and Rolling Stone), bring his work international recognition. Over the years, he has become a world-renowned photographer, with work featured on album covers (Snoop Dogg’s Ego Trippin’) and movie posters (Righteous Kill). Diving into directing, Oriol has directed music videos (Cypress Hill, “Dr. Greenthumb” and Blink 182, “Down”) as well as this documentary, LA Originals. Among his work, he’s best known for his distinct images of the diversity of Los Angeles, capturing everything from the glamour of Hollywood, to the culture of East L.A. and the gritty streets of Skid Row.
From the moment Cartoon and Oriol met, this dynamic duo combined their creative abilities, illuminating each other’s talent. Although Cartoon already had an underground following for this graffiti and airbrushing art, it was Oriol’s photography which brought him global acclaim for his tattooing, and documented his artistic history. Together, they founded S.A. Studios, housed in a large studio in Skid Row, to be the center of their artistic endeavors. Despite this large studio was closed due to the economic recession of 2008, both Cartoon and Oriol continued to create, collaborate, and keep S.A. Studios alive.
For years, mainstream culture, have perceived Chicano culture as just a poor and violent sub-culture of LA Latino culture. While Chicano culture has its darker side, like any other culture, Chicano art, like Hip-Hop by African American artists, displays the intelligence, strength and resilience of the people. Especially those who have to struggle and fight for a respected place at the table. Proving how anyone can be inspired by their surroundings and cultural history, to create breathtaking art. Cartoon and Oriol use their unique talents as a team and as individuals to show the complex beauty of Chicano culture and inject this prospective into their other creative endeavors.
LA Originals is an eye-opening experience. It’s a heartwarming and encouraging story, while also a raw and difficult journey. Cartoon and Oriol’s rebellious art helped to revolutionized modern hip-hop culture and bring LA street culture to the world. Their influence can be seen internationally, in East LA inspired subcultures scenes in Japan, China, Germany, and South America. These two Chicano art masters have and will continue to impact American culture for years to come. An important art documentary, essential to the history of Latinos in America.