Ruth Asawa by Ruth Asawa

A visionary whose wire sculptures redefined American modernism, Ruth Asawa transformed humble materials into ethereal expressions of light and space. Beginning her iconic looped-wire works while studying at Black Mountain College in the 1940s, Asawa's artistic language emerged from a transformative trip to Mexico, where local basket-weaving techniques illuminated her path toward artistic liberation. This monograph presents a curated journey through Asawa's revolutionary practice, showcasing how she—a Japanese-American woman in postwar America—challenged artistic conventions through her unwavering commitment to unexpected materials and transparent forms. The volume features rare archival materials, critical essays, and a comprehensive selection of works that reveal how Asawa's artistic legacy continues to resonate across contemporary art discourse. The 2024 recipient of the National Medal of Arts, Asawa's work stands as a testament to her pioneering spirit and singular vision. Publi