Dash Snow – SACE IRAK was an influential artist, photographer, graffiti writer and cultural icon from New York City. He was born in 1981 into a wealthy family—his grandfather was the famous art collector Christophe de Menil—but he rejected his wealthy background and deeply immersed himself in the downtown New York art and graffiti scene.

Snow was a member of IRAK, a legendary graffiti crew from New York City that possessed a creative energy that transcended traditional graffiti, impacting fine-art and high-fashion circles. 

In the early 2000s, Dash Snow used photography and collage to document his lifestyle— drug-fueled nights, crime, sex, and an unfiltered world of downtown New York. His Polaroids captured the chaos of his existence, giving an intimate glimpse into the subculture. Snow’s work explored themes of decadence and self-destruction. His collages and installations incorporated pornography, tabloid imagery, and anti-authoritarian themes.

He was associated with artists the likes of Ryan McGinley, Kunle Martins and Dan Colen, forming a group that blurred the lines between fine art, graffiti, and counterculture; immensely influencing New York City’s art and graffiti scene. Snow’s presence in the downtown scene was a living embodiment of New York’s underground movement in the early 2000s.

Dash Snow passed away in 2009 at 27 years old. His early death cemented his status as a tragic figure. His story became part of the mythology of New York City’s art scene and his life undoubtedly left a lasting impression. His raw, unfiltered style influenced a generation of artists who sought to capture reality without pretense. His work continues to be exhibited, and his influence is seen in contemporary street photography and art that embraces chaos and imperfection.

In the annals of New York, Snow represents a time of freedom and youth in the city. His legacy remains tied to that era of rebellion and artistic innovation. IRAK crew holds legendary status in the graffiti world, and SACE IRAK is one of the all time greats of New York. His work is now collected and sold for significant amounts. His life is unforgettable in both the art and graffiti worlds across generations. 

Photos from “All Roses”, a book by Cheryl Dunn for Living Proof.

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