Born in Hamburg, Germany, Eva Hesse emigrated to the United States as a child to escape the Nazi regime. She studied at the Pratt Institute, the Art Students League of New York, and Cooper Union, eventually establishing herself as a significant figure in the New York art scene during the 1960s.

Hesse is recognized for her departure from the rigid geometry of Minimalism, favoring organic forms and unconventional, often ephemeral materials. Her work frequently explored themes of repetition, absurdity, and the tactile qualities of her medium, resulting in sculptures that appear both industrial and deeply personal.

Her legacy continues to be a central focus of contemporary art discourse and institutional programming. Recent international exhibitions, including projects in Shanghai, continue to highlight her foundational role in the history of 20th-century sculpture and her enduring influence on subsequent generations of artists.