In a career that spanned six decades, Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) produced a groundbreaking body of work that encompassed multiple disciplines to break down the barriers between sculptural art and functional design. Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design celebrates this legacy by integrating over 75 of Noguchi's works into a series of dramatic installations conceptualized by renowned theater designer and artist Robert Wilson. The exhibition includes Noguchi's portrait busts, unique stone sculptures, and set designs for the Martha Graham Dance Company as well as his iconic furniture designs and Akari lamps, all arranged in thematic settings with bold lighting, visually striking tableaux, and evocative sounds.
This is the second exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum exploring the complex career of Isamu Noguchi. In 2004, ''Isamu Noguchi and Modern Japanese Ceramics'', organized by the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, examined Noguchi's little-known work in clay alongside ceramic art from nine of Japan's most influential figures, including Kitaoji Rosanjin, Kawai Kanjiro, and Yagi Kazuo.
''Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design'' was organized by the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany, in cooperation with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation Inc., New York. The exhibition design and visual concept by Robert Wilson were developed at the Watermill Center on Long Island, New York. The Japanese American National Museum is the only California venue after showings in London, Weil am Rhein, Madrid, Paris, Cologne, Rotterdam, Berlin, New York and Seattle.
The Los Angeles presentation of ''Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design'' is made possible, in part, by the generous support of Ray Inouye, Chris Inouye, Steve Inouye, and Deena (Inouye) Lew; The James Irvine Foundation; Karen and Michael Schneickert; Michael W. Oshima and Chiaki Tanaka, Ph.D.; Prudential Financial, Inc.; George Takei and Brad Altman; and Gordon Yamate and Deborah Shiba, D.D.S.
'''Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design
Special Ticket Prices'''
Adults: $12.00
Seniors (age 62+): $9.00
Students and Youth (ages 6-17): $8.00
Children 5 and under: Free
Museum Members: Free
Special rates available for groups of 10 or more.
Thursday evenings from 5 - 8 pm and all day on Feb 16, Feb 18, March 16, and April 20: Adults, seniors, students, and youth are $4. During these times, admission to all other Museum exhibitions is free.