Artwork copyright Manya Shapiro. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Poems, 1995

Manya Shapiro
American (born 1937)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Poems is a constructed paper sculpture by artist Manya Shapiro inspired by the artist's experience traveling in Japan. There she witnessed people hanging handwritten poems from trees and shrines as memorials. She describes how this piece combines "a Japanese tradition with my interest in books and poetry as transmitters of ideas, memories, and dreams."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Portland, Oregon-based fiber artist Manya Shapiro combines traditional techniques with non-traditional materials to create abstract and conceptual artworks. She was born in Seattle, Washington and attended the University of Washington.