Q&A: Typoe – Game Over

World Red Eye interviewed Miami-born artist Michael Typoe Gran about his solo exhibition "Game Over" at Spinello Gallery—his first major show since 2011.

The exhibition explores themes of life and death through juxtaposed imagery—cheerful smiley faces paired with skulls, neon welcome signs recontextualized with darker meanings, and elaborate gunpowder-burned floral arrangements.

"I'm almost taking the text that exists for something positive and giving it a darker undertone—welcome to the darker part of life."

"It's funny because my work has dark undertones but I'm a very positive, happy person. I've been through dark shit. Life is short."

"Being an artist is what I've always done. It's all I've ever wanted to do."

"I'm having a lot of fun with gunpowder. I'm kind of a pyromaniac. Who doesn't like blowing shit up?"

"Tagging was a way to release, like a normal person going to a gym."

The exhibition featured the iconic skull-and-smiley-face centerpiece in a custom plexiglass hallway, gunpowder-charred floral pieces, and extensive documentation from the opening reception.