Colorado Public Radio: Gun Sculptures Draw Shock & Awe

An excerpt from my interview with Colorado Public Radio:

Ravi Zupa’s typewriter sculptures have come a long way since his first in 2007. They started as pieces of larger installations and props in videos. He says he didn’t realize their poetic potential until later.

In 2013, renowned street artist Shepard Fairey displayed Zupa’s work in his Los Angeles gallery. That included a big sculpture resembling the Hindu god Shiva. It had six arms, and one held a gun sculpture.

“That particular show was sort of an awakening that it could be its own thing and it could stand alone,” Zupa said.

Zupa’s early guns used parts from cars, vacuums and sewing machines. But with typewriters, he can convey a stronger message and play off his love for words, he said.

Zupa doesn’t take a side when it comes to the gun control debate. But he does want to spark conversation around this complex issue.

“I do like to argue and get at the heart of ideas,” Zupa said.