0009

0009, born in 1984, Chris Maestas has been immersed in Los Angeles’ urban landscape since the early 2000s. Influenced by the city’s diverse subcultures of the 1990s, he found inspiration in their distinct expressions of individuality within the broader urban environment. Trained in automotive design, Chris approaches his practice through research into emerging trends, anticipating and shaping what comes next. Active in crypto since 2016, he began exploring blockchain-based art in 2017 and minted his first artwork on Ethereum in October 2018. While his early practice focused on traditional mediums such as acrylic and spray paint, he began experimenting with AI-assisted tools in 2022, creating powerful and thought-provoking works.

0009 is an internationally recognised artist and designer, featured in national publications and exhibited globally. His most recent collection, urbn artfct, curated by TENDER in collaboration with VERSE, pays homage to the vibrant underground energy of 1990s New York. Influenced by hip-hop and graffiti culture, the collection merges a West Coast perspective with a fascination for New York’s relentless hustle. Using AI, the series reanimates iconic ’90s symbols, offering a contemporary reflection on urban resilience and creativity that moves beyond nostalgia.