Crash

"I always felt what we were doing was so much more than it was in that specific moment...graffiti could be legitimate"

John Matos, also known as Crash, is a veteran of graffiti art of the New York scene. Through his art, Crash creates a visual link between street life and established society. He was first noticed through his murals on subway cars and dilapidated buildings and is now regarded as a pioneer of the graffiti art movement.Taking the name “CRASH” after he accidentally crashed the computer in his school, his name began appearing on trains circulating all throughout New York City.  By 1980, he began transitioning from train yards to galleries, he curated the ground-breaking "Graffiti Art Success for America" at Fashion MODA, launching the graffiti movement that has remained very active until today. Crash’s career took off and he saw instant popularity throughout Europe and America, and eventually Asia.

Crash’s notable project was in 1996 when he painted an Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster and gave it to the artist as a gift. Visually iconic, he has partnered with many companies for projects including Absolut Vodka, Fender Guitars, SoBella Handbags, Levi’s, and most recently, Tumi luggage and Morphik. Today, Crash’s visually iconic art is part of many permanent museum collections and he has collaborated with many international companies all around the world. He continues to work and show both locally and internationally.  He is the co-owner of contemporary art gallery WALLWORKS NEW YORK and the co-owner of Wallworks TWO, a locally driven retail boutique, both in The Bronx.