Joe Stefanelli (painter)

Joe Stefanelli (1921 – 2017) was an American painter and collage artist associated with the Abstract Expressionist and New York School movements. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stefanelli moved to New York City in the late 1940s and became involved in the downtown art scene.

Stefanelli’s early work leaned heavily towards Abstract Expressionism, characterized by gestural brushstrokes, bold colors, and a focus on the emotional impact of the painting. He often worked on a large scale, creating immersive and dynamic compositions.

Later in his career, Stefanelli incorporated collage elements into his paintings. He used found objects, scraps of paper, and other materials to build up textured surfaces and introduce new layers of meaning into his work. These collages retained the energy of his earlier abstract paintings but added a sense of history and materiality.

Stefanelli exhibited his work extensively throughout his career, including shows at the Stable Gallery and the Tibor de Nagy Gallery in New York City. His work is included in the collections of several major museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

Stefanelli's contribution to American art lies in his dedication to exploring the possibilities of abstraction and collage, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. He is recognized for his dynamic compositions, his use of color, and his innovative approach to combining painting and collage techniques.