Contemporary Abstract
American
David Shapiro (American, 1944–2014) was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. He studied at Pratt Institute and received his MFA from Indiana University in 1968.
Kala 7 by David Shapiro (American 1944-2014). A dramatic Spit-bite, etching, drypoint, and carborundum printed in blue and white. Published in 1991. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Limited edition of 260, The Print Club of Cleveland publication no. 71 for 1993.
--------------
From Yogapedia:
Kala is a Sanskrit term with dual meanings. The first meaning is translated as "black" or "dark colored," and the second as "time," "destiny," "fate" or "death." Kala is also used in reference to one of the forms of Yama, the Hindu god of death.
Kala is also one of the 36 tattvas, or principles of reality. In Kashmir Shaivism, there are three classifications of tattva: pure tattvas, pure-impure tattvas and impure tattvas. Kala—together with power, knowledge, space and passion—belongs to the second group of the pure-impure tattvas, describing the soul and the limitations of the soul. Kala-tattva is the stage at which one realizes the limitations of the endless individual soul. Since the soul has no time, beginning or end, one must go beyond the limitations of time and the other 35 tattvas in order to achieve pure consciousness and liberation.
--------------
Size: 12 3/4" h x 8 13/16'' w (image); 32 1/10" h x 23 6/10" (paper)
Condition: Very good.
David Shapiro (American, 1944–2014) was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. He studied at Pratt Institute and received his MFA from Indiana University in 1968.
Shapiro is known for his multimedia works that display symbol-based abstractions. Buddhism and Asian art heavily influenced his work, including inspiration from meditation, yoga, and calligraphy. Balance, harmony, and muted color schemes are all elements found in his abstract work. Shapiro's work also takes influence from nature, apparent in a number of his series.
Shapiro taught and lectured at numerous universities including Barnard College and the Parsons School. He had over 80 solo shows in galleries and museums across the United States, Japan, England, and Canada. In addition to painting and drawing, Shapiro created more than 50 editions of prints.
​David Shapiro died in 2014 in New York after a long battle with cancer. His works can be found in the collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, University of Chicago, Cleveland Museum of Art, Smithsonian, Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in Nagoya, Japan, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York, among others.
