Skip to main content

Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

American
Over 100 international museums have exhibited Joan Giordano’s work for half a century, who has pushed the boundaries of the many materials she works with: handmade paper, recycled copper, encaustic wax, rolled newspapers, and steel, to name a few. She is enchanted by the cycles of change the materials reveal and the poetic sentiments they evoke. Joan masterfully molds beautiful forms that are as tough as they are delicate, as spiritual as they are material, and as abstract as they are laden with layers of history that can be “read” by viewers. Sometimes the readings are literal, as with her most recent body of work that features layers of text from newspapers from around the world. Other times, the reading is more metaphorical and spiritual, like fragments of memories we feel most when our senses are awakened. This artistic “alchemy” is often achieved through Giordano’s intricate juxtaposition of materials - and the unconventional way she works them. Shifting from two to three dimensional representation of forms was a pivotal shift in Giordano’s practice and is a defining element of her career. When she began making paper by hand in the 1970s, she fell in love with the tactile quality of moving plant fibers in water. She developed her lauded “Steel Angels” during this period - large steel armatures with layers of mesh and paper pulp, hand-applied paint, and encaustic wax. Her “Steel Angels” were exhibited around the world and became a coveted part of the United States’ Art in Embassies program. Soon after, Giordano was invited to study kozo papermaking at the Fujimori Factory in Japan with master paper maker Yoshi Fujimori, a national treasure who taught her Japan’s famed ancient techniques. Through these collaborative workshops, Giordano created “Washi Warrior,” which translates to “Paper Warrior” - a massive paper sculpture that resembles the steel armor of ancient Japanese warriors while retaining the fineness of paper. This counterintuitive balancing of delicacy with toughness is an ongoing, defining feature of Giordano’s work. Many movements and artists have inspired individual aspects of her practice. Through repeated gouging, burning, rubbing, and welding metals like steel, Giordano’s work calls forth the industrial force of sculptures by Frank Stella. Her use of humble, found materials - such as recycled copper - places her work in conversation with arte povera artists like Guiseppe Penone, as well as contemporary assemblage masters like El Anatsui and Judy Pfaff. Her most recent series of work takes the tactility of paper, and the physical processes of burning and shaping it, into the realm of political commentary in the spirit of Jenny Holzer’s recent “Dust Paintings.” Whereas Holzer paints over sensitive government documents, Giordano collects and assembles newspaper articles from around the world into her archetypal sculptural shapes. The pieces invite viewers to see how the same news stories are presented in different ways. It asks us to ponder, “Who Owns the News?”
to
2
8
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
10
10
10
9
8
5
4
18
168
119
106
77
10
Artist: Joan Giordano
"White Washed Too" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage
"White Washed Too" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

"White Washed Too" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"White Washed Too" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspapers, photographs, corrugated cardboard Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand ...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Cardboard, Newsprint

"A Life of Wonderment" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage
"A Life of Wonderment" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

"A Life of Wonderment" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"A Life of Wonderment" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspapers, corrugated cardboard Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper sculpture and wall relief sculpture and Japanese influenced wall scrolls...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Cardboard, Magazine Paper, Newsprint

"White Washed" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage
"White Washed" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

"White Washed" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"White Washed" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspapers, photographs, corrugated cardboard Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper sculpture and wall relief sculpture and Japanese influenced wall scrolls...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Newsprint, Cardboard

"The Year in Pictures" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage
"The Year in Pictures" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

"The Year in Pictures" Abstract Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"The Year in Pictures" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, international archival newspapers, encaustic on wood panel Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her uniq...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, Wood Panel

"Free Press" Mixed media & paper, wall relief sculpture
"Free Press" Mixed media & paper, wall relief sculpture

"Free Press" Mixed media & paper, wall relief sculpture

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"Free Press" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspaper, encaustic on canvas Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper and wall relief sculpture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Mixed Media, Canvas, Encaustic, Newsprint

"Money Tree" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical
"Money Tree" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical

"Money Tree" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"Money Tree" by Joan Giordano from her "Presences" series of vertical wall scrolls Handmade Kozo Paper, Yellow Pigment, Bamboo, Encaustic Museum-shown and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Handmade Paper, Pigment

"Between the Lines" Abstract, Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage
"Between the Lines" Abstract, Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

"Between the Lines" Abstract, Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Mixed Media Collage

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"Between the Lines" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspaper, encaustic on canvas Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper sculpture and wall relief sculpture and Japanese influenced wall scrolls...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Encaustic, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, Canvas, Mixed Media

"It's Never Really Black and White" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media
"It's Never Really Black and White" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media

"It's Never Really Black and White" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"It's Never Really Black and White" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, archival newspapers, corrugated cardboard Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique h...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, Cardboard

"The World in a Grain of Sand" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media
"The World in a Grain of Sand" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media

"The World in a Grain of Sand" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"The World in a Grain of Sand" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, international archival newspapers, encaustic on canvas Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her ...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, Canvas, Encaustic

"Exodus", Joan Giordano, Mixed Media, Paper, Newsprint, Wall Hanging, vertical
"Exodus", Joan Giordano, Mixed Media, Paper, Newsprint, Wall Hanging, vertical

"Exodus", Joan Giordano, Mixed Media, Paper, Newsprint, Wall Hanging, vertical

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"Exodus" by Joan Giordano Mixed Media, Handmade Abaca Paper, Newspapers, Photographic Prints, Encaustic Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper sculpture and wall relief sculpture and Japanese influenced wall scrolls.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Archival Paper, Handmade Paper, Newsprint

Related Items
Untitled: (Totem Pole) - Abstract Sculpture, c. 1960
Untitled: (Totem Pole) - Abstract Sculpture, c. 1960

Untitled: (Totem Pole) - Abstract Sculpture, c. 1960

By Elaine de Kooning

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A major figure in both the Abstract Expressionist and American Figurative Expressionist movements of the 1940s and 1950s, Elaine de Kooning's prolific output defied singular categorization. Her versatile styles explored the spectrum of realism to abstraction, resulting in a career characterized by intense expression and artistic boundary-pushing. A striking example of de Kooning's explosive creativity is Untitled (Totem Pole...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving

My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving

By Shiri Phillips

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wire

Turnabout: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Green, Grey & Beige
Turnabout: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Green, Grey & Beige

Turnabout: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Green, Grey & Beige

By Stephen Walling

Located in Hudson, NY

Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in bright pastel hues of sage green, light grey, and beige "Turnabout", hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley ar...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel

White Path - 3D small contemporary abstract round mural sculpture
White Path - 3D small contemporary abstract round mural sculpture

White Path - 3D small contemporary abstract round mural sculpture

Located in New York, NY

Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper

On Kawara is Predated in Conceptual Use of Numbers or Word Art by Ray Johnson
On Kawara is Predated in Conceptual Use of Numbers or Word Art by Ray Johnson

On Kawara is Predated in Conceptual Use of Numbers or Word Art by Ray Johnson

By Ray Johnson

Located in Miami, FL

In the present work, Ray Johnson predates On Kawara in the conceptual use of written numbers as "Number Art/Word Art". Johnson's work elevates "Idea over Object" in his art, in whic...

Category

1950s Conceptual Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Crayon, Mixed Media, Cardboard

Lapis - 3D small contemporary blue abstract round mural sculpture
Lapis - 3D small contemporary blue abstract round mural sculpture

Lapis - 3D small contemporary blue abstract round mural sculpture

Located in New York, NY

Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper

28K Gold Organic - 3D gold color contemporary abstract mural sculpture
28K Gold Organic - 3D gold color contemporary abstract mural sculpture

28K Gold Organic - 3D gold color contemporary abstract mural sculpture

Located in New York, NY

Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Cumulus Mixed Media Abstract Sculpture in Steel and Fabric, 2010s
Cumulus Mixed Media Abstract Sculpture in Steel and Fabric, 2010s

Cumulus Mixed Media Abstract Sculpture in Steel and Fabric, 2010s

By Kristina Fjellman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kristina Fjellman, a Minnesota-based visual artist and performer, seamlessly blends sculpture and performance art in her captivating work. She has garnered recognition with exhibitio...

Category

2010s Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Swept 1- black 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture
Swept 1- black 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture

Swept 1- black 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture

Located in New York, NY

Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper

Reliefes Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment
Reliefes Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment

Reliefes Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment

By Carla Gimbatti

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Bark and Reliefs, 2018 By Carla Gimbatti From the Series Reliefs Aquaresin and Pigment Overall size: 79 H x 16.6 W in. Individual size:79 H x 8.3 W in. each _____ After graduating ...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Pigment

Forces of Nature 20  - Rich Textured Abstract Minimalist Beige Canvas Painting
Forces of Nature 20  - Rich Textured Abstract Minimalist Beige Canvas Painting

Forces of Nature 20 - Rich Textured Abstract Minimalist Beige Canvas Painting

By Len Klikunas

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media

Previously Available Items
"Ode to Miro" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical
"Ode to Miro" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical

"Ode to Miro" Handmade Paper, Mixed Media, Wall Relief Sculpture, Vertical

By Joan Giordano

Located in New York, NY

"Ode to Miro" by Joan Giordano Woven Corrugated Paper, Handmade Japanese Paper, Acrylic Paint Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano known for her unique hand made paper sc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Joan Giordano Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Handmade Paper, Acrylic

Joan Giordano abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Joan Giordano abstract sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of abstract sculptures to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Joan Giordano in paper, newsprint, mixed media and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Joan Giordano abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 23 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Richard Heinrich, Beatriz Gerenstein, and Brad Howe. Joan Giordano abstract sculptures prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10,000 and tops out at $30,000, while the average work can sell for $18,000.