Ruth Asawa (American, 1926-2013), Desert Flower (TAM.1460-II), 1965, Color 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.
Desert Flower (TAM.1460-II), 1965, color lithograph by Ruth Asawa. The composition forms a dense circular network of branching lines in violet and warm ochre-brown, radiating from a star-like center and multiplying toward the outer edge. Printed by John Henry Rock and published by the Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Los Angeles; the work is recorded as Tamarind catalogue no. 1460, State II, and was issued in an edition of 10 with nine additional Tamarind impressions. This impression is inscribed in graphite "TAM. IMP." and signed "ASAWA" along the lower margin, with Tamarind and Rock blindstamps; "TAM. IMP." identifies an impression retained by the workshop outside the numbered edition. The verso is additionally inscribed "1460 / State II / Essai IV," identifying the work as the fourth trial proof associated with this state. Sheet measures approximately 18.5 x 18.5 inches. The sheet shows light toning and minor handling with old tape remnants along the upper verso; image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.625 x 18.5 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.
Desert Flower (TAM.1460-II), 1965, color lithograph by Ruth Asawa. The composition forms a dense circular network of branching lines in violet and warm ochre-brown, radiating from a star-like center and multiplying toward the outer edge. Printed by John Henry Rock and published by the Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Los Angeles; the work is recorded as Tamarind catalogue no. 1460, State II, and was issued in an edition of 10 with nine additional Tamarind impressions. This impression is inscribed in graphite "TAM. IMP." and signed "ASAWA" along the lower margin, with Tamarind and Rock blindstamps; "TAM. IMP." identifies an impression retained by the workshop outside the numbered edition. The verso is additionally inscribed "1460 / State II / Essai IV," identifying the work as the fourth trial proof associated with this state. Sheet measures approximately 18.5 x 18.5 inches. The sheet shows light toning and minor handling with old tape remnants along the upper verso; image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
18.625 x 18.5 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
