The Life and Career of Paul Brach
Paul Brach was an American abstract painter, lecturer, and educator. Born in New York City, he was raised in Brooklyn and the Bronx. His formal artistic training took place at the University of Iowa, where he studied painting under Grant Wood. Following his service in the US Army during World War II, he completed his studies in Iowa using the GI Bill. It was during his time at the University of Iowa that he met Miriam Schapiro, whom he married in 1946.
Brach’s professional journey saw him exhibiting his work in New York at the Leo Castelli Gallery, the Cordier & Eckstrom Gallery, and the André Emmerich Gallery. He was also associated with the New York print studio Atelier 17. His career was marked by significant roles in academia; he held teaching positions at The New School, Cooper Union, The Parsons School of Design, and Cornell University's New York City Program.
Academic Leadership and Later Years
In 1967, Brach and Schapiro moved to Southern California. He served as the founding dean of the School of Art at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Los Angeles, having previously spent two years at the University of California at San Diego. After returning to the New York art world in 1975, he became the chair of the Division of the Arts of Fordham University at Lincoln Center.
In his later years, Brach transitioned away from administration and teaching to devote himself fully to his painting. He was elected into the National Academy of Design in 1997. In 1998, he moved to East Hampton, where he continued to work in his studio. He died in East Hampton in 2007.
Questions & Answers
What are the birthplace and birth year of Paul Brach?
Paul Brach was born in New York City in 1924.
Is there a complete list of Paul Brach's artworks?
Every work by Paul Brach on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
Is there a timeline of Paul Brach's works?
A timeline of Paul Brach's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.
