Elisha Shapiro

Elisha Shapiro is an American nihilist and conceptual artist who creates public spectacles promoting a philosophical rejection of objective value and truth.[1][2][3] In 2006, Shapiro ran as an independent candidate in the Governor of California election.[4][5] His platform included free college education, secession from the United States, and marriage for gays only.[6][7] He was defeated by Republican opponent Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Past work by Shapiro includes the 1984 Nihilist Olympics,[8][9] a campaign for U.S. President in 1988,[10] a campaign for Los Angeles County Sheriff in 1994,[11] and the Nihilism Expo World's Fair in 1999. Shapiro is the founder of the International Nihilist Film Festival held annually in Los Angeles since 1999,[12][13] and the publisher of the annual Nihilist Calendar.[14] He also produced a public access TV show called "Nihilists' Corner" that ran from 1992 until 2006 in Los Angeles and New York.[15][16][17][18]

Shapiro performs often at comedy and art venues.[19][20] His one-man show, The Funniest Nihilist, was featured at the Hollywood Fringe Festival,[21] and he was part of "the world's worst acrobatic team" in the stage show of comedy magician Larry Wilson.[22][23]