Who is Typoe?

TYPOE is a name that was given to me from a friend when I was about 15. It has pretty much stuck with me ever since and has been like my first name. Most people don’t even know my real name. It’s kind of funny.

You mix street art and fine art influences to create your pieces. What aspects do you incorporate and what specifically do you appreciate in street art and gallery art?

I look at the gallery as a classroom. A way where I can teach people about myself. Most of my work is about my journey through life and all the things I have been through: Money, sex, drugs, violence, fucking shit up, love, loss… All the good stuff. As far as graffiti goes, I look at it more like something fun I like to do. To me, graffiti belongs outside and it is about fucking shit up, plain and simple. I don’t believe that graffiti is meant to be inside. It is a full contact sport that is handled in the streets and should stay there.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

I’m like a sponge. Some of my work is inspired by friends who have passed away, other work is inspired by things I see on a daily basis like fashion, partying, shiny things. Some of my favorite artists are: Andy Goldsworthy, Alexander McQueen, Robert Rauschenberg, Michelangelo.

You are an artist as well as a gallery owner. How do you manage to juggle both and be successful in both arenas?

I have to work very hard at managing my time well. Because of doing both of these activities I don’t have time for anything else really, which is fine. I love what I do and it makes me so happy to just do what I love.

You’re participating in various upcoming international art fairs. How relevant are art fairs to an artist’s career?

They’re effective because it is a really great way to get a lot of views in a short amount of time. Also, it’s great to meet people from other places who have seen and/or bought my work and I would have never known. I think it is a needed step to be involved in the fair circuits just to be relevant. If I’m not working and putting my work into the world then what am I doing?

Which direction do you see your art taking?

Every year my art grows exponentially, as do I. We mature together at a nice rate.

Do you have any other news you would like to share?

I am doing my first collaboration with a brand this year and it is something that normally I wouldn’t jump into because it usually doesn’t make sense. I try to keep my work very limited and I want to share it with people who truly appreciate and love it, so be on the look out for an interesting and exciting collaboration between myself and Deltoro shoes.

spinelloprojects.com/artist/typoe/

Words: Heike Dempster

The post EMERGING: Typoe appeared first on Wonderland.

Tell us about your career to date, please.

My career, to date, has consisted of small private commissions. I mostly have worked outside of mainstream art as I used to run a small electronics company. I specialized in fixing analog synthesizers. I’ve worked as a welder, carpenter, neon sign craftsman, mural painter, teacher, and other very hands-on-type fields.

Do you listen to music when you create? What would be your ideal soundtrack?

I need to have music on, yes. This week it’s been a lot of Al Green, Phyllis Dillon, Megadeth, UGK, and Coleman Hawkins.

What is an average day in the life of Asif Farooq like?

I wake up, drink a glass of water, do pushups and crunches, buy coffee, and start working. I work most days for about fifteen hours, while I always ensure to make time for those who are important or that need me – but I work a lot!

What is your process from inception on the idea to a final piece?

I plan out everything before I make a single cut. I rarely take measurements or make drawings as I tend to eyeball everything. I trust my instincts fully; I’m rarely befuddled or confused about the direction I need to take. I’m a good self-manager; with the benefit of 2-plus decades of experience making objects, I tend to trust even an aesthetic whim. Clearly, my process is experiential.

Do you want to start a dialogue on guns, gun laws or what they stand for?

No, I don’t talk about politics because I do not feel I have much to contribute. I’m not a lawmaker, it would be preposterous for me to tell other people what is “right” or “wrong.” The independence that I value I respect in others, even if they do not respect mine.

Can you share some memorable reactions to your art?

They’re all memorable! Mostly, people just express disbelief, which I feel is quite complimentary! My favorite discourse is with other artists. People like Andrew Nigon– his is a knowledgeable appreciation as I admire his work for his craftsmanship and integrity. As well as people like Books and Typoe of my gallery Primary Projects, who are willing to put their name and reputation behind someone like me. That’s a pretty memorable reaction, I think.

What triggered your interest in weapons?

My interest in guns is in the idea of visual representation as personal metaphor. As a tool for communication – which is often the intended function of actual guns – they’re universally recognized. So, much as a writer uses words, or a musician uses notes, I use guns to communicate. To me they are just as interesting as any other inanimate object, but of course you can only say so much with bowls of fruit.

What are you currently working on?

I continue to push myself very hard. Every new thing I make needs to exceed whatever I did last. The only competition I’m in seems to be with myself.

Do you personally collect art?

I collect friendships, if anything. I think they are far more beautiful. I collect subjective experiences.

www.primaryprojectspace.com

Words: Heike Dempster

The post EMERGING: Asif Farooq appeared first on Wonderland.