Press Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: CHRIS KOMAI
(213) 830-5648

Isamu Noguchi – Sculptural Design
February 5-May 14, 2006
Exhibition-Related Public Programs

EXHIBITION OPENING
Sunday, February 5, 2006
Isamu Noguchi – Sculptural Design opens to the public.

Lectures and Book Signings

Sunday, February 19, 2:00 PM
"An Enduring Odyssey: Masayo Duus and Peter Duus Talk About the Life and Times of Isamu Noguchi"

In the book, The Life of Isamu Noguchi: Journey without Borders, Masayo Duus has written what many consider the definitive biography of the influential artist. For this event, she is joined by her husband – historian and translator Peter Duus – in a conversation that sheds light on Noguchi's life, work, and legacy.

Sunday, March 12, 2:00 PM
"Point of Departure: Yuriko in Conversation with Mindy Aloff and Bonnie Rychlak"

Isamu Noguchi and world famous choreographer Martha Graham shared a respect for aesthetic clarity – organic movements, direct gestures – and their partnership resulted in Noguchi designing twenty-one sets for Graham's company. As one of Graham's principal dancers for over two decades, Yuriko has a degree of knowledge about Noguchi and Graham's collaborative efforts possessed by few others. Writer, scholar, and educator Mindy Aloff and the Noguchi Museum's Curator Bonnie Rychlak join the octogenarian dancer-choreographer in an exploration of one of the 20th century's most affecting artistic partnerships.

Saturday, April 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
"Contrasting Elements: A Guided Tour of Isamu Noguchi's To The Issei and California Scenario"
With Amy Lyford, Assistant Professor, Art History, Occidental College, and Bert Winther-Tamaki, Associate Professor, Asian American Studies, University of California at Irvine

Isamu Noguchi explored California's culture, history, and terrain in two impressive works: To the Issei and California Scenario. The former, located on the plaza at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo, pays homage to the Issei pioneers. The latter, resting between two skyscrapers and a parking structure in Costa Mesa, offers a vivid sculptural portrait of the Golden State. Learn more about the work and the man who created them in a special guided tour with Noguchi scholars Amy Lyford and Bert Winther-Tamaki.

Space is limited, $50 for National Museum members, $65 for non-members, includes transportation and lunch.

Thursday, May 4, 7:30 PM
"A Vision Shared: Shoji Sadao on Isamu Noguchi and R. Buckminster Fuller"

Isamu Noguchi and Buckminster Fuller were two pivotal figures in 20th century art and design. Nisei Shoji Sadao, director emeritus of the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, trustee of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, and principal of the architecture firm Fuller and Sadao, discusses his collaborative designs with Fuller and Noguchi.

For Families

Saturday, April 22, 1:00-4:00 PM
"Sculpture in Goop: A Special Noguchi-Inspired Program for Families"

Kids of all ages will model and mold Isamu Noguchi-inspired sculpture with goop, a quick-drying and fun material. Whether they create their own sculptures, playgrounds, landscapes, or furniture to take home with them, kids can explore the Isamu Noguchi . Sculptural Design exhibition and discover how they too can make objects that are both beautiful and functional in design.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free with admission to Isamu Noguchi – Sculptural Design. Seating is first-come, firstserved; early arrival is advised. Reservations are recommended for all programs. All programs are free for National Museum members, unless otherwise noted. For non-members, programs are included with Museum admission ($12 adults, $9 seniors 62 & over, $8 students with ID and youth ages 6-17) unless otherwise noted. Children five and under are free. For more information call (213) 625-0414.