Untitled (The Hotel eden) 1945
Untitled (Medici Boy) 1942-1953
The Art
Cornell was known for his creations of box art. These creations were made of see through or glass front boxes that contained objects arranged together.
He was a collector and often visited junk stores, book and print shops in Manhattan where he collected items to fill his box art creations.
His art take the form of a surrealist style.
Joseph Cornell
- Cornell's art boxes were often each based on a theme. They also focused on things or people he was interested.
- Many of his themes occured in several different pieces. Like words, letters and birds.
- Cornell was a very private man and a bit of a loner. He depicted his personality and interests in his art and films.
- His art makes you use your imagination and come up with a theme or meaning to his art boxes.
Biography
December 24, 1903-December 29,1972
- Cornell was born in Nyack, New York, he lived there until 1917. He then moved to Flushing, Queens with his mother and siblings until he died.
- He attended Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, but did not finish school.
- He had little formal Art training so he was basically self taught.
Untitled (Soap Bubble Set) 1936
- Cornell also had an interest in film and theater.
- Like his art, he created films about things and people that he was interested in
- His most popular film was Rose Hobart which he created in 1936
Untitled (Medici Princess) 1948
Joseph Cornell