Confetti+Death

“Confetti Death” This depiction of death is done in a modern, upbeat, and contemporary ­­­manner, by the artist TYPOE. As stated in his Facebook biography, TYPOE’s “creations range from factory finished luxury items and graphics, to vandalized found objects that flaunt a punk-like disregard for beauty.” While his audience changes with each piece of art, his piece “Confetti Death” is displayed in an art gallery in Miami. Gallery-goers tend to be different from those who frequent skate parks filled with graffiti; similarly, the message from the artist tends to be different in each setting as well. For this piece of art, he is appealing to those with a sophisticated taste and definite curiosity of art; the meaning of this art piece is more than just a street tag.

Within Claire Breukel’s article on TYPOE, “An Artist Who Celebrates Miami Style,” TYPOE reveals that he has a fascination with death. Most significantly, his work is impacted by loss: young friends’ deaths due to drugs or gun violence. Aside from “Confetti Death,” most of his artwork depicts colliding worlds of religion and violence; he uses dark tones to express what Breukel calls “humor.” Shaping AK47s into the Star of David, this artist expresses clashing ideals in a straightforward approach; he also straps ammo and grenades onto Jesus on a Crucifix. Expressing pain with humor, and death with excitement, TYPOE contrasts ideologies and stands out amongst typical graffiti //and// gallery artists.

While this depiction of death is simple, there is great meaning behind the cluster of bottle cap shards exploding from the mouth of a skull. Not only is this //spew// made up of thousands of little parts, but it is flamboyant and explosive, giving each piece incredible significance. In some of his other pieces, TYPOE uses explosives to blow up elements of his pieces. One explosion included “a Mickey Mouse face on a wall of a Family Christian School for his latest exhibition ‘ // Black Sunday’ // ” (Breukel). Yet, “Confetti Death” is made of bright, flashy colors on a white wall, ensuring their ability to “pop.” Through this piece, he acknowledges that while death can be ugly and cruel, it can also be beautiful and edifying.

TYPOE contrasts the bland, white wall with the flamboyant, ostentatious colors of //spew//. The sadness and monotonous of death are being overshadowed by the joy and life that comes of it. When death occurs in a family, undoubtedly there is anguish and dysphoria. However, typically, there is a greater appreciation for who that person was; stories are shared amongst family members, memories are echoed throughout the ambiance, and smiles begin to camouflage the grief. “Confetti Death” skips the phase of melancholy; it signifies the combinations of emotions, words, and memories that were present in the lives of the dead. Typically, the human skull is used in ways to demonstrate mortally or annihilation. However, TYPOE uses the skull in a way that symbolizes energy and excitement. He contradicts the classic interpretation to make it his own, while also contradicting the way death has affected him in his own life. In practically all his pieces of art, death or pain is the main subject. Yet, by creating a bright and energetic piece that //also// depicts death, TYPOE accepts the reality and sadness of death, but proves the possibility of finding solace through the deceased.

Obviously, a piece of art depicting death engages an audience through pathos. The thought of death alone creates a stirring of emotions in humans; death is thought provoking and intriguing. TYPOE creates an environment where the sadness and melancholic attitudes dwindle, and spirited, bright emotions arise. While everyone that views this piece of art might have a different interpretation of the meaning, there is an emotional appeal expressed through this symbolization of death; there is happiness and color. Death is painful and dark, but it does not always have to be. TYPOE acknowledges that he has many experiences with loss, and yet, even he can see the bright, fulfilling aspect of death. Pathos is the most significant rhetorical appeal in this piece of art. TYPOE’s “Confetti Death” is powerful and speaks wonders to the significance of discovering life in death.

Breukel, Claire “An Artist Who Celebrates Miami Style” //Hyperallergic//, 13 Feb. 2012, http://hyperallergic.com/46404/typoe- miami-style/. Accessed 2 February 2017.