Janet Echelman

Janet Echelman is an American artist renowned for creating living sculptures that interact with natural elements like wind, water, and light, redefining urban spaces as inviting hubs of civic life.

Echelman merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to craft monumental sculptures from unexpected materials such as fishing net and atomized water particles, greatly impacting city landscapes globally.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including topping Oprah Magazine's '50 Things that Make You Say Wow!' list and being named an AD Innovator by Architectural Digest for revolutionizing urban environments.

Echelman's TED talk 'Taking Imagination Seriously' has garnered global acclaim with translations in 34 languages and over a million views, highlighting her unique approach to art and public spaces.

Her contributions to cities like Phoenix, Porto, and Vancouver have been praised for establishing new civic identities and drawing visitors, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the realm of public art and urban development.

While she holds degrees in painting and psychology from Harvard College and Lesley University, Echelman's sculpture journey began without formal training, showcasing her innate talent and innovative spirit in the art world.

With a rich background in academia, Echelman has served in various prestigious fellowships and positions, such as Guggenheim Fellowship, Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellowship, and Resident in Visual Arts at the American Academy in Rome, shaping her multifaceted perspective in the arts and beyond.

Currently affiliated with Princeton University as a Princeton Atelier Faculty and having been part of esteemed institutions like Harvard University and The Aspen Institute, Echelman's expertise spans art, sculpture, urban development, and painting, making her an influential figure in the intersection of creativity and cityscapes.