Elisha Shapiro

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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]

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References

  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.