MoMA Opens Largest Exhibition by a Woman Artist Featuring Ruth Asawa

What's Happening?

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is set to open a major retrospective of artist Ruth Asawa, marking the largest exhibition ever devoted to a woman artist at MoMA. The exhibition, which runs from October 19, 2025, to February 7, 2026, features 275 works, including Asawa's renowned looped-wire sculptures, bronze casts, paper folds, and various paintings and drawings. This retrospective follows its initial run at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) earlier this year. Despite the record-breaking size, the museums have not heavily promoted this aspect, focusing instead on the comprehensive nature of Asawa's artistic production.

Why It's Important?

This exhibition highlights the significant contributions of Ruth Asawa to the art world, emphasizing her innovative use of materials and integration of art into everyday life. It underscores the ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate female artists in major institutions, addressing historical gender disparities in art representation. The retrospective offers a comprehensive view of Asawa's work, potentially influencing future exhibitions and curatorial practices by showcasing the depth and breadth of a woman's artistic legacy.

What's Next?

Following its display at MoMA, the exhibition will travel to the Guggenheim Bilbao and Fondation Beyeler in Basel in 2026-27. This international tour will further elevate Asawa's profile and contribute to a broader appreciation of her work. The exhibition's success may encourage other institutions to reevaluate their approach to showcasing female artists, potentially leading to more inclusive and expansive exhibitions in the future.

Beyond the Headlines

The understated promotion of the exhibition's size may reflect persisting gender inequalities in the art world, where male artists often receive more attention for large-scale retrospectives. This development could spark discussions on how art institutions can better support and highlight female artists, fostering a more equitable cultural landscape.