John Mattos Returns As Official Artist Of The 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships

The Breeders’ Cup has announced that multi-award winning illustrator John Mattos has been named the official artist for the 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The Mattos collection features two brilliant art deco images celebrating the 31st running of the event at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on October 31-November 1.

The Breeders’ Cup is Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international event, consisting of 13 races and purses and awards totaling $26 million. It is also an annual gathering of stars from Hollywood entertainment, business, sports and celebrities from all walks of life, and held at one of the world’s most picturesque horse racing venues. The Breeders’ Cup will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group, with the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic shown live and in primetime on NBC.

In his second year as the Official Artist of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Mattos has evoked his retro-inspired style to capture the Art Deco setting of Santa Anita Park. The first image, which is the 2014 official poster, consists of a monumental Thoroughbred and rider seemingly etched into the San Gabriel Mountains. Below the towering symbol, an elegant crowd watches as the best thoroughbreds in the world race toward a place in prestigious racing history.

The second image depicts a flamboyant female wearing a fascinator showcasing a montage of the racetrack, and is complimented by her trendy aviator sunglasses which reflect the day’s racing action. Both images will appear on the Friday and Saturday official racetrack programs and on all event tickets to Santa Anita Park.

“John’s portrayal of this year’s event captures the elegance, style and excitement of the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park,” said Peter Rotondo, Breeders’ Cup Vice President of Media and Entertainment. “We are honored and delighted once again to display his images as part this year’s festivities, and to provide fans an opportunity to take home some treasured memories of their 2014 experience.”

“Drawing the majestic Thoroughbred in such a stunning and picturesque backdrop as Santa Anita Park has been an inspiring experience for the second consecutive year,” said Mattos. “It is a thrill once again to be a part of this tremendous international event and to share my work with fans attending from all corners of the world.”

Since his 2013 Breeders’ Cup debut, Mr. Mattos has lent his distinctive style to a number of high profile projects both in the US and abroad. His work has recently been featured on two United States Postal Service “Forever” stamps depicting classic hot rods. Showcased, are two 1932 Ford® “Deuce” roadsters. The fast, powerful vehicles that thrill-seeking enthusiasts have been modifying for nearly a century are celebrated on two eye-popping stamps. Each stamp depicts an iconic 1932 Ford® “Deuce” roadster. Mattos fans can enjoy an appearance on “Jay Leno’s Garage” via You Tube, August 14, 2014, to learn about this exciting commission. Consummate Los Angeles based hot rod historian and owner of one of the quintessential cars, Bruce Meyer discusses the history along with Jay Leno in this fascinating video.

Concurrent with the unveiling of the Official Art of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Championship artwork is the eminent debut of a year-long Mattos installation at one of the London’s hottest new hotels in Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair. The Beaumont Hotel is located moments from Selfridges and Bond Street and is slotted to become a must see for Londoners and travelers alike. The work of famed British sculptor, Antony Gormley has provided a controversial facade element to the building, the interior of which is a $2500 per night hotel suite. John Mattos’ work is prominently featured in the fashionable restaurant called the “Colony Room”.

Named for various American “colonies” (cities), Mattos’ images depict sporting events that reached their heyday in the 1930’s in those particular towns. The series is titled, “American Geography Told Through Sport”, and will be pivotal design elements in the Beaumont’s American themed bar. Mattos’ twelve sporting scenes will be stretched like fine art installations, varying in size from 6′ to 12′ wide. American sporting themes such as spring board diving, greyhound racing, polo, and airplane races are but a few of the vintage themes.
Mattos has numerous ties to the Los Angeles area. He graduated from internationally acclaimed Art Center College Of Design in Pasadena, and he has lectured at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and C.C.A.C, among others. Another connection is his list of credentials for various film properties including Disney, MGM/UA and Coppola/American Zoetrope. The American Film Institute named his artwork for The Rocketeer in their 100 Best Movie Posters of all Time.

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