In 1989, sculptor Noah Purifoy moved to the high desert community of Joshua Tree, California, and created a 2.5 acre outdoor museum which is continued by the Noah Purifoy Foundation, and accessible for all visitors.
Purifoy’s work most often responds to his life. Born in 1917 in Alabama, he saw first-hand the life of the racist, segregated south. His artwork speaks of his experiences, years as a social worker, a master’s degree from Atlanta University, a BA from Chinouard School of Art (precursor to California Institute of the Arts). In 1976, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Noah Purifoy to develop several programs for artists in schools, communities and social institutions, including the prison system. He also co-founded the Watts Tower Arts Center.
Purifoy required the discarded objects that he gathered in order to complete his ideas, always political, always about society. He is the epitome of the conflict of the artist, as a poet of the world, and as a visionary to help shift the world toward justice.
More information about the artist:
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum
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