CRASH (John Matos)
the real crash
2012
Screenprint
22 × 22 cm
Ed. /200 — édition de 200 signée et numérotée avec livre
Location: Paris, France
Documents
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Invoice or proof of purchase
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Certificate of authenticity
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Other documents
About the artwork
A square screen print features a dynamic, abstract composition characterized by bold outlines and vibrant colors. The central motif appears to be a stylized hand or claw-like form, rendered in red with white highlights and black outlines, from which red drips extend downward. This form is set against a background divided into areas of red with white polka dots, orange and black diagonal stripes, and a light blue section adorned with yellow stars. The overall aesthetic draws on influences from comic books and pop art, utilizing Ben-Day dots and strong graphic elements.
The composition is framed by a thick black line that defines the edges of the image, contrasting with the white border of the paper. The interplay of dripping paint and sharp geometric shapes suggests both fluidity and structure. The use of primary and secondary colors, along with the distinct black outlines, creates a visual impact associated with urban art and graphic design.
Expert opinion
The work is situated within the broader context of the Street Art movement’s transition into the fine art market, a phenomenon that gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. CRASH, as an artist who emerged from the New York City graffiti scene, played a role in this transition by bringing street aesthetics into gallery settings. His adoption of screen printing—a technique popularized by Pop Art artists—enabled the production of multiple editions, making his work accessible to a wider base of collectors.
In the contemporary art market, works by CRASH are sought after by collectors interested in the origins and evolution of Street Art and its intersection with Pop Art. The consistent presence of his works in auctions and galleries, along with his inclusion in museum collections, indicates an established market position. His prints, in particular, serve as an entry point for collectors into his body of work, while larger and unique pieces command higher prices.
About the artist
Born in 1961 in the Bronx, Crash, real name John Matos, is an urban artist. Passionate about and inspired by pop art and comic books, Crash works with bright colors in an advertising-like manner. In collaboration with Keith Haring, he lent his style to the Peter Stuyvesant campaign. Starting out as a graffiti artist on New York trains at a very early age, he gradually drifted towards canvas and then joined a number of galleries. His work was presented at the Sidney Janis gallery in 1983, when he was just 22. In France, he made a name for himself a year later when he took part in the 5/5 Figuration Libre, France-USA exhibition at the Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris. Quickly becoming a major protagonist of urban art, his work is exhibited in major museums such as New York's MOMA and Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum.
Additional info
Signed
3x
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