Ruth Asawa (American, 1926-2013), Chrysanthemums, 1965 Lithograph
Ruth Asawa (American, 1926-2013) was a Japanese American sculptor and printmaker who also became an influential advocate for arts education. After her family was forcibly incarcerated during World War II, she studied at Black Mountain College, where Josef Albers's emphasis on material and direct experimentation helped shape her approach. She became best known for hanging wire sculptures formed from repeated loops, creating open structures in which interior and exterior remain visible at once. Her drawings and lithographs apply the same patient attention to contour, often concentrating on plants or ordinary objects observed at close range. Asawa later helped establish community arts programs in San Francisco and supported the creation of the city's public arts high school. Her work is held by the Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Chrysanthemums, 1965, is a lithograph printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition depicts a potted chrysanthemum plant, with pale blossoms rising above densely drawn curling leaves against a mottled, heavily textured background. The unprinted flower heads and pot stand in sharp contrast to the dark surrounding field. Inscribed in graphite "TAM IMP" along the lower edge, denoting a Tamarind impression, and signed "Asawa," with Tamarind blindstamps nearby. Sheet measures approximately 30 x 22.25 inches. Overall good appearance. The sheet shows light toning with minor handling and slight edge wear. Remnants of mounting tape appear near all four corners verso. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
30 x 22.25 in
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Ruth Asawa (American, 1926-2013) was a Japanese American sculptor and printmaker who also became an influential advocate for arts education. After her family was forcibly incarcerated during World War II, she studied at Black Mountain College, where Josef Albers's emphasis on material and direct experimentation helped shape her approach. She became best known for hanging wire sculptures formed from repeated loops, creating open structures in which interior and exterior remain visible at once. Her drawings and lithographs apply the same patient attention to contour, often concentrating on plants or ordinary objects observed at close range. Asawa later helped establish community arts programs in San Francisco and supported the creation of the city's public arts high school. Her work is held by the Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Chrysanthemums, 1965, is a lithograph printed in black on cream wove paper. The composition depicts a potted chrysanthemum plant, with pale blossoms rising above densely drawn curling leaves against a mottled, heavily textured background. The unprinted flower heads and pot stand in sharp contrast to the dark surrounding field. Inscribed in graphite "TAM IMP" along the lower edge, denoting a Tamarind impression, and signed "Asawa," with Tamarind blindstamps nearby. Sheet measures approximately 30 x 22.25 inches. Overall good appearance. The sheet shows light toning with minor handling and slight edge wear. Remnants of mounting tape appear near all four corners verso. Image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
30 x 22.25 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
