During this past year a vast number of art shows have been exhibited across the United States. Their most striking features were their range and diversity. Here are some comments on Ben Shahn's paintings and photography focusing on social realism, some works by the Polish Constructivists, interested in redefining form in relation to space, the wide variety of art works by Charles and Ray Eames, Eichiro Abe's gampi paper designs, and on the historic tradition of resist dyeing. (RK)