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Exhibition: Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration
Date: On view now through March 29, 2026
Location: Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design (1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236)
Tickets: General Admission: $20 and 17 and Under: Free
Contact Information: [email protected] or call 941-309-4300
Description: Step into a world in which interconnectedness and innovation abound with “Janet Echelman: Radical Softness,” now on view at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. This new solo exhibition traces more than four decades of the internationally renowned artist’s pathbreaking career, offering an intimate look at Echelman’s artistic evolution through drawings, paintings, textiles and the artist’s iconic monumental, netted sculptures. “Radical Softness” also marks the debut of a series of cyanotypes created from 3D digital models made during Echelman’s design process, and images of finished works, translating her monumental forms into a new photographic medium that uses the environment — sunlight — as both method and material.
“‘Radical Softness’ invites visitors to experience art that transcends genre and fosters shared moments of wonder,” said Virginia Shearer, Sarasota Art Museum’s executive director. “As Sarasota Art Museum encourages visitors to explore new ideas, Janet Echelman’s work illustrates art’s ability to reshape our perceptions of physical space and interpersonal connection.”
Echelman, who held the top spot on Oprah Winfrey’s “List of 50 Things That Make You Say Wow!,” is best known for her larger-than-life sculptures that marry design, architecture and engineering. Often choreographed by the wind, the aerial networks of knotted netting demonstrate interconnectedness and unity. When any part of the sculpture billows, all the surrounding elements are impacted, including the visitors underneath.
“‘Radical Softness’ contextualizes Janet Echelman’s practice, revealing the narratives, influences and processes that drive her work. At its core, the exhibition highlights Echelman’s use of softness as a powerful tool, not only in material but as a philosophy,” said Lacie Barbour, associate curator at Sarasota Art Museum.
For Echelman, Sarasota Art Museum is a fitting place to reflect on her artistic journey. A fourth-generation Floridian, Echelman regularly vacationed in Sarasota as a child and still returns for annual family reunions. Before Sarasota Art Museum officially opened its doors in 2019, Echelman was one of the institution’s first Visiting Artists.
“Sarasota has been a part of my entire life, so it’s an especially meaningful place to see my first mid-career retrospective launched,” Echelman shared. “When you see someone’s life trajectory, it’s more than just looking at their art. You come to understand the threads that sew together their life and practice.”
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication, titled “Radical Softness: The Responsive Art of Janet Echelman,” edited by Gloria Sutton, associate professor of contemporary art history at Northeastern University. The book includes previously unpublished project documentation, archival materials and an illustrated timeline of Echelman's career milestones. Featuring a foreword by Swizz Beatz and contributions from international scholars, engineers, designers, architects and curators, it illuminates Echelman's significant impact across contemporary art, architecture, engineering, dance and landscape architecture. Published by Princeton Architectural Press and Chronicle Books, the book was recently released on Sept. 16, 2025.
“Janet Echelman: Radical Softness” is organized by Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design and curated by Lacie Barbour, associate curator of exhibitions at Sarasota Art Museum.
Pictured above: Janet Echelman (American). Remembering the Future (detail), 2025. Hand-spliced, knotted, and braided high-tenacity polyester. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Anna Olivella.
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