Erwin Binder was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 24, 1934. He attended Temple University before entering the Air Force in 1952. He was stationed near the Mexican border where he immersed himself in Mexican culture.

For 20 years he worked in the family jewelry business before renewing his pursuit of art.

Inspired by the works of José Clemente Orozco, he then studied at Otis Art Institute. Working in bronze, onyx, and stone, his work is influenced by Mexican culture.

He died in Los Angeles on October 10, 1993.

Erwin Binder
1934-1993

Born in Philadelphia on January 24, 1934, Erwin Binder was raised in the atmosphere of economic and political malaise that followed the Great Depression and surrounded World War II. As a child he saw around him anxiety and uncertainty, and as a youth entered the postwar year in the spirit of restlessness shared by most of his generation.

Following a brief period at Temple University, he entered the Air Force in 1952 and was stationed near the border of Mexico during most of his enlistment. It was there that he encountered a people and culture whose historical heritage had a profound impact on him.

Following his time in the military, Binder worked for 20 years in the family jewelry business before renewing his pursuit of art. Inspired by the works of José Clemente Orozco, he then studied at Otis Art Institute.

He produced numerous public sculptures throughout Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s. Working primarily in bronze, onyx and stone, Binder's work is deeply influenced by Mexican culture.

He died in Los Angeles on October 10, 1993.