About Lauren Shapiro: Miami-based Ceramic Artist
Lauren Shapiro, a Miami-based ceramic artist, is working at the intersection of art and environmental science. Known for her focus on sustainability and conservation, Shapiro's contemporary ceramic art practices combine craftsmanship with digital fabrication technology to produce intricate ceramic archives of nature.
Born and raised in South Florida, Shapiro's art profoundly connects to local ecology and ecosystems. Through her work, she has become a prominent name in Miami's art scene, creating bas-relief modular sculptures and large-scale installations that showcase the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
Working collaboratively with scientists, architects, and filmmakers, Shapiro has been instrumental in creating a discourse about environmental preservation within the Miami art community and beyond. Her public art installations invite community participation, fostering a shared responsibility toward ecological conservation.
Shapiro's innovative collaborations with marine ecologists, starting in 2018, led to transformative works such as the “Montipora, Pocillopora Lamps.” She crafts precise reproductions of living corals using 3D models from scientific archives. This innovative approach has positioned her as a leader in creating compelling art from accurate digital reproductions of threatened ecosystems.
With a body of work exhibited globally—from Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to Projektraum M54 in Basel, Switzerland—Shapiro's recognition continues to grow. Prestigious institutions such as the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Knight Foundation have honored her contributions. As an artist-in-residence for a National Science Foundation grant, Shapiro continues to push boundaries, garnering her a significant place in the contemporary art world.
With each of her sculptural and installation pieces, Lauren Shapiro shapes narratives around environmental conservation, creating a fusion of science, design, and technology. Her work presents a powerful message of sustainability, making her a pivotal figure in Miami's contemporary ceramic art scene.