The Museum of Modern Art in New York City has opened its doors to the largest exhibition ever dedicated to a woman artist in the institution's history. "Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective" showcases the remarkable six-decade career of the trailblazing Japanese-American artist, featuring more than 300 artworks displayed across an impressive 16,000 square feet of gallery space.

Ruth Asawa, one of the most iconic figures of the mid-20th century, led a prolific life characterized by groundbreaking art-making, passionate advocacy, and dedicated civic engagement. More than a decade after her passing, the artist has experienced a momentous wave of recognition, including her first solo exhibition in Greater China at David Zwirner, followed by this major retrospective that represents a tale of two MoMAs.

The enormous exhibition recently traveled from its point of origin at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, where Asawa fostered a deep, lifelong connection to the city and its artistic community. The show's arrival in New York City marks a significant milestone in art history, celebrating the work of an artist who broke barriers and challenged conventional artistic boundaries throughout her career.

Visitors to the retrospective can expect an intimate and comprehensive look at Asawa's diverse artistic practice. The exhibition features her groundbreaking wire sculptures that became her signature medium, alongside intimate paintings, detailed drawings, and striking prints. The collection also includes bronze casts and documentation of her monumental public works that graced cities across the United States.

Among the notable works on display is "Poppy" (1965), a lithograph measuring 30 1/16 by 20 9/16 inches from an edition of 20. The exhibition also showcases "Untitled (S.398, Hanging Eight-Lobed, Four-Part, Discontinuous Surface Form within a Form with Spheres in the Seventh and Eighth Lobes)" from 1955, an intricate sculpture made of brass wire, iron wire, and galvanized iron wire that measures 8 feet 8 1/2 inches by 14 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches. Additionally, visitors can view "Untitled (BMC.145, BMC Laundry Stamp)" from 1948-49, created with stamped ink on fabric sheeting and measuring 36 3/4 by 45 1/2 inches.

"Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective" opened at the Museum of Modern Art on October 19, 2025, and will remain on view through February 7, 2026. The extensive exhibition offers art enthusiasts and scholars alike an unprecedented opportunity to explore the full scope of Asawa's artistic innovation and her lasting impact on contemporary art. Those interested in learning more about the artist can explore additional resources through her estate's official website and other comprehensive collections of her work.