curated in the tokyo metropolitan art museum, our japanese editors pay a visit to sculptor and designer isamu noguchi’s ‘path of discovery’ exhibition. set in three different rooms, the artist’s major contribution in art is revealed through sculptural inspirations and endeavors, speaking volumes about the essence of design within his work. through the renowned bamboo lights, bronze, steel and marble installations, an immersion into the japanese culture unravels.
‘void’ in bronze, 1971 all images courtesy of designboom
isamu noguchi, son of a japanese father and american mother, constructed a remarkable artistic philosophy and career reputation, having spanned over six decades. continually inspired by japanese tradition yet always caught between the eastern and western culture, the acclaimed sculptor artist never stopped discovering the many sides and opportunities of design. his desire to communicate nature resonates deeply with his contact towards kyoto’s majestic landscape and gardens. through his various visionary insights, an essence of abstraction and peace takes over.
‘cronos’ in bronze, 1947
path of discovery is curated as to feature noguchi’s three distinct phases during his professional road. the first gallery revolves around his 90’s works, including a variety of large-scale sculptures from japan and abroad, while in search to find the meaning of sculpture. the second room becomes an overwhelming discovery into his akari light sculptures, inspired by the traditional lanterns and textures as well as steel and bronze sculptures. the final space takes the visitor on a journey through his stone creations characteristic of his final years, marking also the first group display of the works outside the isamu noguchi garden museum, in japan.
‘it’s quite true that everything of value remains as a gift in the end. what other value does art have?’, said the artist.
the exhibition reveals some of the artist’s most major art contributions
don’t miss the chance to book tickets to isamu noguchi’s path of discovery exhibition – here!
‘akari’ installation from up close in paper, bamboo & iron, A, D & F series, 1954-74
‘downward pulling’ in alicante and marquinia marble, 1970
noguchi’s bronze sculptures from ‘wakai hito’ (1950) to ‘remembrance’ (1944)
‘strange bird’ in aluminum, 1945
‘woman’ in cast iron, 1956
‘tea cups’ in ceramic glaze, 1952
‘stone of spiritual understanding’ in bronze, 1962
‘yoshiko-san’ in glazed ceramic, 1952
the room takes the visitor through a selection of abstract metallic structures dating from 1982-84
‘jack in the box’ in hot-dipped galvanized steel, 1984
‘atomic haystack’ in hot-dipped galvanized steel, 1982-83
‘neo-lithic’ in hot-dipped galvanized steel, 1982-83
‘cloud mountain’ in hot-dipped galvanized steel, 1982-83
‘2=1’ in bronze, 1988
‘play sculpture’ in prefabricated steel, 1965-80
‘akari’ light installation in bamboo, paper & iron, 1952-86
‘akari’ light installation in paper, bamboo & iron, 1954-74
title: isamu noguchi: path of discovery
venue: tokyo metropolitan art museum, tokyo, japan
period: saturday, april 24 – sunday, august 29, 2021
admission: 1,900yen／college students 1,300yen／seniors 65+ 1,100yen
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