Ruth Asawa: An Artist Takes Shape

Nakahira chronicles the young adult years of acclaimed Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa (1926–2013) in this illuminating graphic novel debut. Asawa works on her family farm in Norwalk, Calif., but dreams of accomplishing more. These dreams are put on hold when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, resulting in the discrimination of people of Japanese descent across the U.S. To protect themselves, the Asawa family destroy any artifact of their ancestry. Still, like many of the Japanese people they know, the Asawas are sent to an incarceration camp, where they are forced to live in deplorable conditions. Though life is bleak during her imprisonment, Asawa’s interest in art takes flight. Across Nakahira’s intimate b&w pen-drawn and digitally colored illustrations, Asawa makes her way to Black Mountain College in North Carolina, where she receives instruction from artist Josef Albers (1888–1976), who escaped Nazi Germany. Later, during a trip to Mexico, Asawa finds inspiration for her career-defining wire sculptures. This comprehensive look at the formative years and lasting legacy of a renowned artist showcases how, with great determination and an unwavering mindset of life and creativity being “one and the same,” Asawa never let anything interfere with her art or her family. Ages 13–up. (Mar.)