Death Drop Disco by Michael Tierney

Death Drop Disco - Spray Paint on Canvas - Size: 40 W x 40 H x 2 D cm

Michael Tierney’s Death Drop Disco is a striking piece of pop art, injecting energy and vibrancy into the canvas through a fusion of spray paint and acrylics. The piece draws inspiration from the daring "death drop" or "Shablam" dance move performed by drag artists—a move that combines flair and defiance, very much reflective of Tierney’s approach to contemporary culture.

This 40x40 cm canvas is a kaleidoscope of bold geometric shapes, fluid forms, and a subtle blend of pastels and neon tones, all placed against a backdrop of cool, muted hues. The chaotic mix of elements captures the hyper-stimulation of the modern world, with each shape almost colliding into one another, much like the explosion of ideas and influences that shape our culture today.

Tierney’s work celebrates the complexity and multiplicity of our collective experiences. Drawing from influences as diverse as politics, video games, and fashion, Death Drop Disco seems to communicate the thrill and intensity of the world we live in. The figure in the artwork—suggestive of a dynamic dance move—feels caught in a moment of self-expression, not unlike the drag performance that inspired the piece. There’s an undeniable sense of movement, a celebration of the human form, both in its elegance and absurdity, captured through angular, almost mechanical shapes and soft, flowing outlines.

This work’s placement within the realms of both pop art and street art is evident. The bright, attention-grabbing palette and graphic quality nod to the urban influence of street culture, while its commentary on contemporary pop culture links it firmly to the pop art tradition. Tierney’s piece seems to ask the viewer to consider the act of performance—of self-expression—and the boundaries between art, entertainment, and identity.

The light-hearted yet complex use of shapes and colour here offers a moment of joy and intrigue, drawing from the transformative nature of drag performance while reflecting on the ever-evolving nature of art itself. It’s clear from Tierney's previous recognition, including being named a “rising star” by The Wall Street Journal and having his work published in The Guardian, that his ability to channel current cultural movements into his work resonates on both a local and global scale. Death Drop Disco is another testament to this skill—a bold, energetic, and thoroughly modern piece of art that demands attention and invites contemplation.

The painting is available to buy on Saatchi Art