Janet Echelman: Radical Softness

Janet Echelman: Radical Softness is a mid-career retrospective spanning four decades of the artist’s work. The exhibition brings together early drawings, paintings, mixed-media pieces, maquettes, and full-scale net sculptures, revealing Echelman’s development from explorations of drawing, painting, and textile processes to monumental works that reshape public spaces.

The exhibition offers an intimate view of Echelman’s practice, which combines traditional fishing-net knotting with computational design and materials ranging from atomized water to engineered fiber. Her large-scale sculptures draw on sculpture, architecture, urban design, material science, engineering, computer science, and performance to explore natural phenomena, human connection, and empathy. The exhibition is part of a broader multi-site initiative with satellite installations and programs at American University, Buchanan Gallery at George Mason University, and Capital One Hall.

When: September 17, 2026–March 20, 2027

Venue: Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art

Tickets: Price not available

Featured artist: Janet Echelman

Works on view: Early drawings, paintings, mixed-media works, maquettes, and full-size net sculptures

Exhibition context: Echelman’s works use centuries-old net-making techniques alongside advanced materials and digital tools. Her installations have become landmarks in cities across five continents, with permanent works that can change appearance through colored light.

Organizers: Studio Echelman and Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College

Related initiative: Satellite installations and programs are presented at American University, Buchanan Gallery at George Mason University, and Capital One Hall.