Ruth Asawa

The Ruth Asawa Retrospective at the DeYoung Museum: Probably one of the best best BEST shows I have seen ever ever ever.

What this show really came down to was Ruth's undeniable excellence with her technique, her medium, and her aesthetic sensibility that is nothing less than genuine. She has perfected her craft. Awe-inspiring is the only word that comes to mind. But maybe it's because the work really leaves one speechless and to talk about it doesn't do it justice.

Ruth Asawa's woven copper-wire hanging sculptures mimic natural forms. In addition to my crappy photos of her work, there were some wonderful works on paper as well.

If only I could better highlight her impact on me and my own work, albiet pale in comparison. Across the board however, anyone this good has to have a profound affect on other artists, regardless of medium. Seeing that a woman has embraced tradition, refined it, and made it into her own, is where I start to have hope for myself in regards to my Painting and Embroidery. With such emphasis these days on repetitive and OCD quality works, these moments can be few and far between. It's when artists are inspired to venture into uncharted and unsafe territory to eventually break through to produce real and interesting work that's neither contrived nor hackneyed.

Asawa's tied wire sculptures take on the form of geometry in the natural world.

If you've just now been introduced to her work and want to learn more, you can always get the exhbition catalogue at Rowan Morrison Gallery. Or go to ruthasawa.com Fortunately for people who missed the big retrospective, there are some of her works in the permanent collection, located in the Foyer near the elevators.
and here is the SF Chronicle write up of the show