CRASH Zine Available

Artist: CRASH
Title: CRASH Zine
Medium: 96 Page Zine
Size: 8 x 10 Inches
Edition: UNSURE
Prices: $40

 

Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1961, the renowned artist John Matos, widely recognized by the moniker CRASH, is a pivotal figure in the evolution of street culture into the global art market. A child of Puerto Rican heritage, Matos was immersed in the vibrant visual landscape of 1970s New York City where he first began focusing on art as a teenager. By age thirteen, he transitioned from drawing portraits for church congregants to "bombing" subway trains in the local rail yards. This early period of his career saw the birth of his pseudonym after he accidentally crashed a computer at Mary Burcham High School, a vocational institution where he studied computer programming. Despite the lack of formal fine art training during these formative years, his natural talent for synthesizing pop culture and comic book aesthetics allowed John Matos to quickly distinguish himself from his peers.

The career of John Matos reached a historic turning point in 1980 when he curated the ground breaking exhibition Graffiti Art Success for America at Fashion Moda in the Bronx. This event is frequently cited as the moment graffiti was legitimized as a movement within the professional art world. His significant accomplishments include the creation of the iconic "Crashocaster" guitars for Eric Clapton, one of which famously auctioned at Christie's for over three hundred thousand dollars in 2004. Furthermore, his work has been integrated into the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Museum, where his pieces Aeroplane 1 and A U T O matic were featured in major retrospectives. These achievements solidifed his reputation among collectors of limited edition art prints and posters who value the intersection of urban energy and high art.

Throughout his decades of activity, John Matos has participated in numerous high profile art shows and gallery exhibitions that span the globe. In 1983, he had a significant showing at the Sidney Janis Gallery, and in 1984, he participated in the 5/5 Figuration Libre exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. More recent solo exhibitions include Breaking Ground Redefining the Urban Experience and Concrete Jungle at the JoAnne Artman Gallery, as well as Scripted Memories at Thinkspace Projects. His ability to maintain relevance across generations is evident in his 2019 participation in the Beyond the Streets showcase in New York City. For enthusiasts seeking to acquire his most famous pieces, titles such as Shutter Bug, Raw Electricity, Dear Prudence, and The Art of Mickey Mouse remain highly sought after staples of his vibrant and graphic portfolio.

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.

John Matos 'Crash' Embroidered Edition Available

Artist: John Matos
Title: Crash
Medium: 11 Color Embroidered Linen
Size: 52 x 65 cm
Edition: 99
Price: €1,650

*this piece has 379,608 stitches

Crash 'Clockin' Print Available

Artist: Crash
Title: Clockin
Medium: Deckled 10 Color Screen Print
Size: 24 x 24 Inches
Edition: 50
Price: $600

CRASH 'The Mystery Of Montpellier' Print Available

Artist: CRASH
Title: The Mystery Of Montpellier
Medium: 10 Color Screen Print
Size: 50 x 70 cm
Edition: 50
Price: €350 (unframed)

CRASH 'Provacivation' HPM Print Available

Artist: CRASH
Title: Provacivation
Medium: Hand Embellished 17 Colour Screen Print
Size: 20 x 30 Inches
Edition: 50
Price: $450

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