Joseph DeAngelis

Joseph DeAngelis is a Windsor sculptor and painter known for his iconic piece, Rinterzo. The sculpture is featured in the Windsor Sculpture Park along the Detroit River.

DeAngelis was born in Rhode Island in 1938 and immigrated to Canada in 1969. Soon after, he began a career as a professor at the University of Windsor where he lectured in

the Department of Visual Art. DeAngelis’ art is features in buildings all around Windsor-Essex County, including the University of Windsor, the Essex County Civic Centre, and Windsor Public Library. His contributions to art and education have been acknowledged by community groups; DeAngelis was honoured with the Mayor’s Award in 2001 for Excellence in Art and the Professional of the Year Award in 2005 by the Windsor Chapter of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA).

DeAngelis’ sculpture, Rinterzo, is a large piece which includes several terrazzo balls and a reflection pool.  Rinterzo is an Italian term for a billiards move, and the spheres and planes within the piece evoke the imagery of the sport. However, the sculpture is meant to inspire many interpretations and perspectives while delivering a sensory experience that is simultaneously visual and auditory. The viewer is encouraged to ponder the meaning of the shapes as they listen to the running water enter the reflection pool.

DeAngelis earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at Syracuse University in New York.  DeAngelis, who works in a variety of mediums, was one of five Canadian sculptors at the Pan American Wood Sculpting Symposium in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1977. His art has been exhibited in galleries all around the world, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the United States.

Sources:

“Joseph DeAngelis.” Windsor Mosaic – Italian-Canadian Community (n.d.).

McNeill, Stewart. “A star at the woodchopper’s ball.” Windsor Star (August 26, 1977), p. 14 (no link available).

“Rinterzo – Joseph DeAngelis.” City of Windsor (n.d.).

“Then and Now exhibit in LeBel Gallery.” Daily News, University of Windsor (September 18, 2003).