RALPH DORAZIO

Ralph Dorazio (American, 1922-2004) was a multi-disciplinary artist and part of the New York City avant-garde scene of the 1960s and 70s. Born in Detroit, Dorazio landed in New York City after his discharge from military service in World War II. Upon arriving, he began to study painting and sculpture under the tutelage of Arthur Keissler and Jose De Kreeft. While sharing a 23rd Street studio with his wife Mary for more than 40 years, Dorazio sustained himself with teaching jobs at Pratt University and the Fabrizio Art School. During that time, he would create a massive body of work across many media including paintings, unique musical instruments, set and costume designs for theater productions, as well as the Modernist abstract sculptures poetically rendered in wood and for which he would become most renowned.