Part of a movement called "New New Painters," Joseph Drapell is a self-styled independent and rejects many of the prevalent trends in contemporary art such as cultural criticism and questioning of gender and identity. The "New News" aritsts work with a confidence merely in the value and autonomy of aesthetic experience, and they are not afraid to explore their own souls. He, like the others in the movement, uses custom-made reflective paints and advanced gels.

Of his painting Drapell says: "Abstraction will probably always remain my main means of expression. But for my future expression I do not rule out anything. Finding new ways of representation has always lured me, as long as the result is honest, inventive ...