CRASH, an American graffiti artist renowned for his vibrant murals and silk screen prints, draws inspiration from the Pop Art movement. Much like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, CRASH infuses his creations with dynamic, colorful designs that reference celebrity and comic book culture, aiming to engage a wide audience. Notable pieces such as “Dear Prudence” (1989) and “The Art of Mickey Mouse” (2004) exemplify his energetic approach.

Despite primarily identifying as a street artist, CRASH’s painting “Aeroplane 1” (1983), depicting a rocket soaring into the sky, stands as one of his most celebrated works. Born John Matos on October 11, 1961, in the Bronx, NY, CRASH emerged as a pioneer in the realm of graffiti art, initiating his spray-painting endeavors on subway cars at the young age of 13. His influence burgeoned after curating the groundbreaking exhibition “Graffiti Art Success for America” at Fashion Moda in 1980, a pivotal moment that elevated graffiti to the sphere of high art.

In 1984, CRASH collaborated with Keith Haring on a series of murals commissioned by Figuration Libre and British American Tobacco, further solidifying his impact on the art scene. Today, his works are proudly showcased in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. CRASH continues to reside and create in his native Bronx, NY.

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