Sabo returns to Denver — this time with Jeffrey Epstein hanging on the wall

Key Takeaways:

• Sabo debuts four tarot-card-style artworks capturing pivotal U.S. events.
• “The Hanged Man” features Jeffrey Epstein and questions elite influence.
• The artist’s last visit to Denver involved legal trouble over political posters.
• Sabo’s work challenges liberal norms in a city known for progressive values.
• He views the show as a milestone in his provocative, two-decade career.

Sabo’s Return to Denver

Street artist Sabo, known for his politically charged and often incendiary work, is heading back to Denver for an unexpected reason: a formal art exhibit. Once penalized for his guerrilla street art, the former Marine now finds himself in the official spotlight at the VFW Gallery in downtown Denver.

The American Tarot Series

On Friday, July 3, Sabo will unveil “American Tarot,” a four-piece collection that reinterprets some of the most impactful events in the country’s recent past. “The Towers” spotlights the attacks of September 11. “The Fool” references January 6. “Death” grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. And “The Hanged Man” takes on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Epstein Portrayed as ‘The Hanged Man’

In the tarot deck, the Hanged Man card often symbolizes transformation or punishment. Sabo’s version depicts Epstein suspended from the gallows, highlighting not just Epstein’s personal crimes but also the broader implications of his connections to power and wealth. “I believe the story of Jeffrey Epstein goes deep into how so many … became influenced or compromised,” Sabo says, framing Epstein’s saga as part of a larger pattern of elite manipulation.

A Troubled History in Colorado

Sabo’s relationship with Denver hasn’t always been so welcoming. In October 2024, he stood before a Denver judge, charged for posting anti-illegal immigration artwork in Aurora. While Denver authorities at that time were more focused on curbing what they considered vandalism, Sabo argued his work was protected speech meant to highlight immigration issues and their effects on working-class communities.

Artistic Provocation Meets Gallery Culture

Having forged a career by installing his creations in the dark of night, Sabo admits the gallery environment strikes him as unfamiliar. “In street art I hit and run; no one to have a conversation with,” he explains. Now, with legitimate recognition in a traditionally left-leaning city, he relishes the chance to interact with an audience that may hold views different from his own. “It is nothing short of a miracle that a person like myself can show art in such a liberal city where so many people can see them,” he says.

Looking Ahead

Despite these changed circumstances, Sabo’s brand remains unmistakable: bold, political, and unapologetic. After two decades of dissecting American culture and institutions, he continues to question the forces shaping public opinion. His newest works, along with a track record of artistic insurgence, promise a one-of-a-kind exhibit that probes the depths of national debates about power, privilege, and truth.