COMMUNITY FEATURE without being an exact reference. Zupa appreciates that his logo and art may lead one to draw conclusions, but he hopes his cultural references draw people to explore new ideas and participate in important dialogue. That semiotic play of symbols and imagery that evoke but do not define is central to Zupa’s use of visual language. “Everything, everywhere, every cultural article, every little particle of culture is piece, the result of mixing everything. That is multiculturalism, and there’s something great about it,” Zupa said. Zupa dedicated himself to art as a profession in 2006, following his older brother’s death. Before his brother’s death, Zupa had worked as a substitute teacher. It was a job that offered him security and more income than he had ever earned. But the loss changed the direction of his life. “I just started sprinting toward this,” Zupa said. “I kind of grew up in poverty and it was just really very, very uncomfortable. And I just didn’t want that anymore. I was just kind of shaking, shaking, like, snap out of it. All I could think was: do something or don’t. I felt I had to do something.” Since then, Zupa has hustled. From designing lowcost posters during the Great Recession to his massive viral success with the “Drunk Cats” series to sculpting typewriters into firearms in his “Mightier Than Series” purchased by celebrities, Zupa’s career has grown steadily — but never explosively. “Shepard Fairey definitely helped me, for sure,” Zupa said of the renowned street artist who included him in a gallery show. “But honestly, it’s all just been a very gradual slog. No one moment changed everything.” Zupa also credits an early British gallerist, Steve Lazarides — famous for launching Banksy’s career — for giving him shows in Newcastle and London that helped establish his international reputation. But again, there was no overnight success. Just steady work. Social media, particularly Instagram (where he has more than 200,000 followers), has been far more powerful than any gallery. “It’s probably been the biggest tool for getting me in front of people,” Zupa said. Zupa’s house and studio are littered with stacks of prints and posters of his work that his assistants market and ship to his customers. Most of his art is designed to be affordable and available to the widest possible audience. Still, Zupa said he’s resisted the pull to create only what sells. When a poster takes off — like his viral “Do Not Go Gently” Dylan Thomas print featuring a cat, he doesn’t necessarily try to replicate its success. “I just make shit that I like,” he said. “Sometimes something will blow up. But I’ve carved out a lot of flexibility for myself. I don’t feel obligated to stick to one style. I can try new things and just have fun.” Zupa said his schedule leaves little room for anything outside of his work. He spends most days in his studio creating art with his team. He spends his evenings doing the same but by himself. “I work all day on art, usually, and then [my team] leaves, and I go home and work on art as my recreation,” he said. “I’m describing my human experience. And for me, art is part of that description.” Despite a packed schedule and a deliberate aversion to self-promotion, Zupa was quick to agree to create a poster for the Denver VOICE fundraiser. He and his staff spent hours creating something that aligns with the VOICE mission and exhibits the burden of homelessness. Proceeds from the poster will directly benefit the Denver VOICE’s vendor program, which empowers individuals facing poverty and housing instability by offering meaningful income opportunities and amplifying their voices through award-winning street journalism. “I don’t really know how to be a living person outside of working,” he said, laughing. “But it’s fine. I just hope when people see my work, they feel something strong. That’s really all I’m after.” Watch our social media platforms limited-edition Ravi Zupa poster. for updates about the RAVI ZUPA TEARS APART A TYPEWRITER TO CREATE A GUN SHAPED FORM FOR HIS MIGHTIER THAN SERIES OF SCULPTURES. May 2025 DENVER VOICE 7
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