Artist, graffiti pioneer, broadcaster and food entrepreneur

Overview

Otis Frizzell is one of NZ's most recognisable artists, a graffiti pioneer turned gallery painter, former hip hop MC and food entrepreneur. The son of pop artist Dick Frizzell, Otis has built a career across street art, gallery work, TV, radio, tattooing, design and food — and is one half of the Weston Frizzell collaborative identity with Mike Weston.

Who is Otis Frizzell? Born in 1971, Otis grew up watching his father paint. He met Mark "Slave" Williams at Selwyn College and the pair formed 90s hip hop duo MC OJ and Rhythm Slave. He has more than 25 years of public graffiti art experience under the name "Opto" and has been NZ's highest-profile graffiti artist since 1998. He starred in award-winning TV show Mo' Show, hosted radio on BFM and Base FM, and has produced album art for the likes of Fat Freddy's Drop, Che Fu and Concord Dawn. With his wife Sarah he co-founded The Lucky Taco.

Career Highlights • NZ's highest-profile graffiti artist since 1998, working under the name "Opto" • Half of Weston Frizzell, the pop-art studio with Mike Weston since 1999 • Solo exhibition Opto2000 launched his gallery career • Half of 90s hip hop duo MC OJ and Rhythm Slave and member of Joint Force • Co-host of TV2's Mo' Show, winner of Best Entertainment Series at the 2003 NZ TV Awards • Co-founder of The Lucky Taco with his wife Sarah Frizzell

Key Speaking Themes • Creativity, art and finding your own voice • Street art, design and pop culture in Aotearoa • Reinvention across art, music, TV and food • Brand collaborations and album art • Family, identity and creative legacy

What Your Audience Will Gain Otis is warm, candid and irrepressibly creative. Audiences leave with a fresh perspective on creativity, collaboration and reinventing yourself across different worlds.

Ideal For • Creative, design and marketing conferences • Brand, advertising and pop culture events • Sales kick-offs and team offsites • Awards nights and gala dinners • Universities, schools and youth events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Otis Frizzell speak about? Creativity, art, street art, reinvention, brand collaborations and the journey from graffiti to gallery walls.

What is Weston Frizzell? The pop-art collaboration between Otis and Mike Weston since 1999, producing some of NZ's fastest-selling print editions.

Is Otis Frizzell related to Dick Frizzell? Yes. Otis is the son of NZ pop artist Dick Frizzell.

What music has Otis Frizzell been part of? He was half of 90s hip hop duo MC OJ and Rhythm Slave and performed with Joint Force and Stylee Crew.

What food business has Otis Frizzell co-founded? Otis and his wife Sarah co-founded The Lucky Taco food truck and brand in 2013.
Is Otis Frizzell available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Otis is available for keynotes, panels and fireside chats at creative, brand and culture events.