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Isamu Noguchi © Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988, US) worked between Japan and New York. He combined Japanese techniques with sculpting methods from the West. In his experimental sculptures, ceramic, landscapes and decors there is always a certain harmony between natural forms and contemporary aesthetics. His art is therefore modern and traditional, timeless and innovative.

 

Noguchi worked mainly in the public domain, believing in the social impact of art. His first big assignment was History Mexico (1936) for a public market in Mexico City. It was followed by many others, including the sculpture News (1938-1939) for the Associated Press Building in Rockefeller Center (New York); and gardens for Reader's Digest in Tokyo (1951) and UNESCO in Paris (1956-1958). 

 

His work was exhibited in the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2004); the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. (2004); and Museo Rufino Tamayo, Mexico City (1999), among others. 

 

In 1985, he founded the Noguchi Museum in order to exhibit his own work.

On display at COME CLOSER

Galvanized steel series: Atomic Haystack, 1982-83

Sculpture, on loan

In the final years of his life, Isamu Noguchi made delicate sculptures from industrial materials, merging mass production with artisanal craftsmanship. The sculptures encourage people to look at the context: everything that is happening around the work. For Noguchi, a work of art is never truly finished. The creative process continues when someone views it, as the piece interacts with its surroundings.

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Please do not touch

Galvanized steel series: Wind Catcher, 1982-3

Sculpture, on loan

In the final years of his life, Isamu Noguchi made delicate sculptures from industrial materials, merging mass production with artisanal craftsmanship. The sculptures encourage people to look at the context: everything that is happening around the work. For Noguchi, a work of art is never truly finished. The creative process continues when someone views it, as the piece interacts with its surroundings.

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Please do not touch

Galvanized steel series: Space Blot, 1982-3

Sculpture, on loan

In the final years of his life, Isamu Noguchi made delicate sculptures from industrial materials, merging mass production with artisanal craftsmanship. The sculptures encourage people to look at the context: everything that is happening around the work. For Noguchi, a work of art is never truly finished. The creative process continues when someone views it, as the piece interacts with its surroundings.

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Please do not touch

Galvanized steel series: Fat Dancer, 1982-3

Sculpture, on loan

In the final years of his life, Isamu Noguchi made delicate sculptures from industrial materials, merging mass production with artisanal craftsmanship. The sculptures encourage people to look at the context: everything that is happening around the work. For Noguchi, a work of art is never truly finished. The creative process continues when someone views it, as the piece interacts with its surroundings.

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Please do not touch

Galvanized steel series: Sky Mirror, 1982-3

Sculpture, on loan

In the final years of his life, Isamu Noguchi made delicate sculptures from industrial materials, merging mass production with artisanal craftsmanship. The sculptures encourage people to look at the context: everything that is happening around the work. For Noguchi, a work of art is never truly finished. The creative process continues when someone views it, as the piece interacts with its surroundings.

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Please do not touch

Play Sculpture, 1965-80

Sculpture, on loan

There are no rules. For Isamu Noguchi, that is the only rule when interacting with his Play Sculpture from 1965-80. This work is appearing for the first time in Belgium. Touch it, climb on it, have fun! The attractive red coil invites people to get together and gather new experiences. It connects people with the space, giving new meaning to the place where it stands. 

 

  • Continuous viewing
  • Touching is allowed!