Biel affirms a strong psychological aspect to the work: “One of the things I think about is the fact that often the situations depicted are absurd to the point that they call out to be seen as internal states depicted in very precise concrete terms.”


Biel’s medium is drawing, generally on paper, which offers him more freedom as an artist: “Drawing is often seen as being ‘in service’ to painting and sculpture. The idea that drawing can make weighty statements with the same punch as more epic and supposedly archival mediums still seems surprising to some people. But for me, being less concerned with eternity frees me to go on to other concerns.”


Joe Biel’s work was included in the Aldrich Museum’s recent exhibition “Erotic Drawing: Part One.” He has also had solo exhibitions with Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle, Roberts & Tilton Gallery in Los Angeles, Kuckei + Kuckei in Berlin among others. His work is featured in the current issues of Contemporary magazine and ArtReview magazine.