Joel shapiro biography

American sculptor

This article is about a United States sculptor. For the mathematician of the same name, see Joel Shapiro (mathematician).

Joel Elias Shapiro (born September 27, 1941^[1]New York City, New York) is an American sculptor renowned for his dynamic work composed of simple rectangular shapes.

The artist is classified as a Minimalist as demonstrated in his works, which were mostly defined through the materials used, without allusions to subjects outside of the works.^[2] He lives and works in New York City.

He is married to the artist Ellen Phelan.

Early life and education

Joel Shapiro grew up in Sunnyside, Queens, New York.^[3] He graduated from Bayside High School (Bayside, NY) in 1959, at which time the school’s yearbook awarded him the title of ManAbout Town.

When he was twenty two he lived in India for two years while in the Peace Corps.^[3] He received a B.A. in 1964 and an M.A. in 1969 from New York