“Together Again,” 1975
The essence of exploration and reflection in contemporary art finds poignant expression in “Ruth Weisberg: Touchstones,” a forthcoming exhibition at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts in Pasadena, opening on October 22, with a reception from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The artist, Ruth Weisberg, will be present to inaugurate this immersion into her artistic dialogue with history (a theme persistent in her works). The exhibition will continue through December 23.
Located at 600 South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Jack Rutberg Fine Arts has curated a space where visitors can traverse through Weisberg’s decades-long investigation into the personal and collective memory, set against the backdrop of art history. Her works, whether they be paintings, drawings or original prints, echo the whispers of past masters like William Blake and Titian, while engaging with the contemporary narrative.
“Waterbourne” (1973)
A focal point of the exhibition is “The Blessing,” a piece that previously graced the Norton Simon Museum in 2008 when Weisberg was invited to create a series inspired by the museum’s collection. This initiative marked her as the first contemporary artist to hold a solo exhibition at the museum, a precedent she set once more at the Huntington Museum in 1999.
Through layers of color and texture, Weisberg creates a conduit between the past and the present. Her pieces such as “La Comedia e Finita” (1977) and the more recent “Brief Encounter” (2023) illustrate the enduring conversation between different art forms and historical epochs.
Among the collection is also “Waterbourne” (1973), a symbolic rendering of a personal journey into motherhood and a broader reflection on women’s empowerment. This piece, alongside others, underscores Weisberg’s significant role in advancing the narrative of contemporary women artists.
“The Blessing,” centerpiece at the Norton Simon Museum in 2008
The thematic landscape of Weisberg’s work extends to reflections on diaspora, homecoming, and rites of passage. Her depictions evoke memories of her own childhood in Chicago and extend to the collective memory of historical events like the Holocaust.
Weisberg, currently a professor at the University of Southern California, has seen her artistry showcased in over 80 solo and nearly 200 group exhibitions. Her works have found a home in the permanent collections of over 60 museums globally.
In 1997, Weisberg’s printmaking prowess was significantly featured in “Singular Impressions,” a Smithsonian Museum of American Art exhibition on the monotype, affirming her standing in the broader artistic community.
La Comedia e Finita” (1977)
“Ruth Weisberg: Touchstones” offers an invitation to explore the evocative journey of an artist through time, from October 22 to December 23 at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts. For more information, contact (323) 938-5222 or jrutberg@jackrutbergfinearts.com. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit www.jackrutbergfinearts.com for further details.
JACK RUTBERG FINE ARTS is at 600 South Lake Ave., Suite 102, Pasadena.
