New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated Asia Week New York (AWNY) with a reception on March 25.
In opening remarks, Margi Gristina, Chair of AWNY, thanked Sigma for being a sponsor and partner of the event: “Founded in 1961 and famous for craftsmanship, precision and dedication, Sigma Corporation is a family-owned business with 1,914 employees producing high-quality, award-winning lenses, still photo and cinema cameras in their advanced manufacturing facility in Aizu, Japan.”
A Sigma America spokesperson said, “The sponsorship of Asia Week New York (AWNY) reflects Sigma’s commitment to craftsmanship, artistry, creativity and design. Through this partnership, we are coordinating culturally aligned activities that connect Sigma with collectors, curators, museum leaders and art-focused media attending Asia Week’s annual celebration of Asian art in New York.
“Sigma also presented a photo walk with participating galleries and introduced the Sigma BF camera and lenses into a broader art-world context. In partnership with the Sigma Foundation, Asia Week New York featured a preview event on March 12, 2026 with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki and a panel of artists and experts discussing the evolution of photography—from its historic roots to today.”
The Met Galleries for Asian Art were open for the night at the museum.
Hiroshige’s Edo era woodblock print (ca. 1838-40) The Kawachiya Restaurant, Yanagi-bashi, Ryōgoku was especially relevant—presaging impressionism and photography.
It was not only a renowned restaurant but also a location available to rent for social gatherings and performances. In the upstairs tatami room overlooking the Sumida River, guests have gathered for an evening of painting and calligraphy — in monochrome black and white and blue and white.
SIGMA NYC Pop-UP 2026
Meanwhile, the Sigma NYC Pop-Up 2026 Space is open until April 4, from 10am – 6pm daily at 21 Spring Street. Meet the Full Frame, brilliantly fun, “beautifully foolish” BF camera from Sigma — designed for intuitive and direct engagement with the art of seeing. Sigma’s latest line of Art, Sports and Contemporary lenses are also there to try.
Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki at the Sigma NYC Pop-Up 2026 Space, taken with Sigma BF and Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG | Contemporary. Photo by Jon Fauer, ASC.
