Matthew Trujillo: Painting the Rhythm of New York
Summer brought that defining mark to the life of contemporary box pop artist Matthew Trujillo, whose stark portraiture and ambivalent narratives have begun to leave an imprint on the New York art scene. Theories will discuss some of the city's hottest exhibitions from Southampton to TriBeCa, without doubt affirming Trujillo to be an artist whose stories are at home under and beyond the auspices of New York City.
From New Mexico to New York
The origin of Trujillo's creative journey goes back to his New Mexico roots, but it was his presence in Austin, Texas, that truly put the spotlight on his transit sort. Employing his distinct merger of fashion, street aesthetics, and pop-art energy, Trujillo was able to generate a cult-like following to the extent that he secured a spot at West Chelsea Contemporary when they were organizing the Concrete to Canvas exhibition. Now that he is settled down in New York, Trujillo's narrative seems simultaneously personal and universal - a voice describing his own very experience as well as the wider urban culture of the city he now considers home.
“Find God”, 48×48, Spray paint & Acrylic on canvas, 2025
A Summer of Showcases
The season officially began in Southampton on July 11, during which Trujillo served as a featured artist at the third annual Art Affair Hamptons, curated by Eddy Bogaert. His colorful canvases were displayed alongside eclectic expressions of visual art, music, and luxury culture — the perfect stage for his style.
The momentum carried on with the Bam! Red Dot! Art Experience at One Art Space in TriBeCa, from July 18 to 20. The show presented an array of local and international talent, with Trujillo's work standing out for its commanding presence and bold immediacy. The summer was capped by NYC Stories: Art Experience (August 1–3), also at One Art Space, where Trujillo not only exhibited but also gave an art talk that shed light on the layered narratives behind his work. Both exhibits were curated by Start Shows.
Only Time Will Tell, 68” x 72”, Spray paint and acrylic on unstretched canvas
Layers, Style, and Storytelling
Portraits with uncanny graphic clarity and emotional intensity are the focal point of Trujillo's practice. His works display three key signatures:
Graphic Expression: Sharp faces inspired by pop art, full of city energy.
Layered Narrative: Sullied tonal shifts that prompt the viewer to struggle for their own interpretations.
Mixed Media Energy: A battle of acrylic and spray paint on canvas and wood, drawing inspiration from street culture, music, and fashion.
Concerning his recent shows, Trujillo wrote on his Instagram account: “This past month in New York, the story behind the work was shared… this is where the layers reveal themselves: why I create, where the work is headed, and how each piece lives within a space.”
Inspiration, 30” x 40”, Spray paint & acrylic on Canvas
"How Do You Evolve", Mixed Media On Wood Panel, 4ft x 6ft, aka “Study #13”
Cementing His Place
Trujillo's run of exhibitions in summer underlines his rise as one of New York's most compelling new voices. His art is simultaneously personal and collective-a storytelling practice that records the futile heartbeat of the city while embracing an audience to identify themselves within the layers. And with all the momentum rippling from the Hamptons down to Manhattan, Matthew Trujillo stands on the verge of something bigger: an artist shaping not only his story but that of New York visual language as well.