Originally, stained glass was used as a recruitment tool in Medieval times, telling stories of the bible to illiterate people. Joseph Cavalieri’s art continues to use illuminated glass, but he updates the visuals with modern day stories, imaginary landscapes and contemporary figures. These range from portraits of Jackie O, Agnes Moorehead, Isaac Hayes, and Bill Pearl (Mr. Universe), to the Simpson’s.

Since 1997 Cavalieri has lived as full time artist, exhibiting internationally and teaching workshops around the world. Cavalieri’s “Madonna & Prada” was acquired for the permanent collection at the Museum of Arts and Design in 2013. Joseph’s MTA Arts for Transit public art commission can be viewed at the Philipse Manor Train Station, in Westchester, New York. More recently, Joseph was selected to exhibit at the first biennial at the Museum of Arts and Design and chosen to be the keynote speaker at the Glass Society of Ireland and NCAD in October 2015.

Cavalieri’s aim is to merge contemporary imagery with the time-honored processes of painted stained glass. This technique was originally created by Medieval stained glass artists, and uses enamel paints which are made of ground glass, metals and pigment. Most of Joseph’s work is set into wall hung stainless steel light boxes with internal LED lighting. Cavalieri is a New Yorker, currently based in the East Village of Manhattan.