CRASH 'Clockin' A/P Available

Artist: CRASH
Title: Clockin
Medium: Deckled 10 Color Screen Print
Size: 24 x 24 Inches
Edition: A/P
Price: $600

 

John Matos, professionally known as CRASH, remains a pioneering figure in the evolution of aerosol art from the New York City subway system to global galleries. Born in the Bronx in 1961, his journey began during the formative years of the graffiti movement in the 1970s. By the age of thirteen, he was already painting train cars, developing a signature style characterized by bold lettering and vibrant, comic book-inspired imagery.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1980 when he curated the groundbreaking exhibition Graffiti Art Success for America at Fashion Moda. This event served as a bridge between the street and the formal art world, legitimizing the movement in the eyes of critics and collectors. His work is easily recognizable for its use of explosive colors, pop art aesthetics, and the recurring motif of a wide, stylized eye, which often peers through layers of abstract shapes.

Throughout the decades, CRASH has successfully transitioned his energetic street style onto canvas without losing its raw vitality. His influence extends beyond traditional paintings into high-profile collaborations. Notably, he designed custom painted guitars for Eric Clapton, one of which sold for nearly one million dollars at auction. His art is now held in permanent collections at prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. As of 2026, he continues to be an active force in the creative community, proving that the visual language of the streets possesses enduring power and sophistication.