Elisha Shapiro

American conceptual artist

Elisha Shapiro is an American nihilist and conceptual artist who creates public spectacles promoting a philosophical rejection of objective value and truth.[1][2][3] In 2006, Shapiro ran as an independent candidate in the Governor of California election.[4][5] His platform included free college education, secession from the United States, and marriage for gays only.[6][7] He was defeated by Republican opponent Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Past work by Shapiro includes the 1984 Nihilist Olympics,[8][9] a campaign for U.S. President in 1988,[10] a campaign for Los Angeles County Sheriff in 1994,[11] and the Nihilism Expo World's Fair in 1999. Shapiro is the founder of the International Nihilist Film Festival held annually in Los Angeles since 1999,[12][13] and the publisher of the annual Nihilist Calendar.[14] He also produced a public access TV show called "Nihilists' Corner" that ran from 1992 until 2006 in Los Angeles and New York.[15][16][17][18]

Shapiro performs often at comedy and art venues.[19][20] His one-man show, The Funniest Nihilist, was featured at the Hollywood Fringe Festival,[21] and he was part of "the world's worst acrobatic team" in the stage show of comedy magician Larry Wilson.[22][23]

## References

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1. ^ Welkos, Robert (October 22, 2006). "Creating something from nihilism". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
2. ^ Koehler, Robert (March 31, 1991). "Your Friendly Neighborhood Nihilist: Conceptual artist Elisha Shapiro's work-in-progress fosters the thought that believing in nothing is OK". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
3. ^ "Tough Gov". MetroActive. August 9, 2006. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
4. ^ Welkos, 2006.
5. ^ Singer, Matthew (July 6, 2006). "Nihilist for California Governor?". VC Reporter. No. 79. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
6. ^ MetroActive, 2006.
7. ^ One, Toph (August 9, 2006). "Vote Nihilist". SF Weekly. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
8. ^ Welkos, 2006.
9. ^ Zylo, Arvo (October 22, 2011). "Elisha Shapiro, Nihilist". WFMU Radio New York. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
10. ^ Welkos, 2006.
11. ^ Welkos, 2006.
12. ^ Alperstein, Ellen (December 14, 2013). "A night at the nihilism movies". LA Observed. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
13. ^ Welkos, 2006.
14. ^ Zylo, 2011.
15. ^ Thomas, Derek (December 17, 2009). "Nihilist You A Merry Christmas". LA Weekly. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
16. ^ One, 2006.
17. ^ Zylo, 2011.
18. ^ "Nihilists' Corner Clips". YouTube. October 12, 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
19. ^ "Elisha Shapiro / The Holy Wars". Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE). April 10, 1985. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
20. ^ "Elisha Shapiro Comedy vs Art Smackdown". YouTube. August 21, 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
21. ^ "The Funniest Nihilist". Hollywood Fringe Festival. June 12, 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
22. ^ Monji, Jana (November 27, 1998). "'Super Heroes' Who Have a Magic Touch". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
23. ^ "Super Heroes of Comedy". Vimeo. July 31, 2008. Retrieved 18 September 2018.

## External links

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* Elisha Shapiro Website
* Audio Interview with Elisha Shapiro
* Elisha Shapiro on IMDB