At Stanford, a New Initiative Will Study and Exhibit More Asian American Art

Artist Ruth Asawa’s most recognizable works are probably her delicate hanging wire sculptures. But Asawa, who served on numerous art commissions and boards and was involved in arts education, including founding a public high school for the arts in San Francisco, loved involving others in her art making.

So, Marci Kwon and Aleesa Alexander, co-founders of the newly formed Asian American Art Initiative (AAAI) at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center, are particularly pleased with the acquisition of 233 ceramic masks Asawa made of the faces of family, friends, and fellow artists, including Buckminster Fuller and Anna Deavere Smith.