Noguchi

30 Sep 2021-23 Jan 2022

Overview

An exhibition celebrating Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), one of the most experimental and pioneering artists of the 20th century.

Noguchi explores the kaleidoscopic career of a true artistic polymath. This exhibition, which is his first touring retrospective in Europe for 20 years, focuses on Noguchi as a global citizen and his risk-taking approach to sculpture as a living environment. 

‘Everything is sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.'

Over 150 works are presented, including an extraordinary range of sculptures – made in stone, ceramics, wood and aluminium – as well as theatre set designs, playground models, furniture and lighting.

Embracing social, environmental and spiritual consciousness, Noguchi believed sculpture could 'be a vital force in our everday life' and saw art 'as something which teaches human beings how to become more human.'

For the occasion of this retrospective Barbican commissioned Noguchi TV - a celebration of the enduring legacy of Noguchi’s work through a series of short films with artists, designers, architects, and dancers for whom the artistic polymath remains a powerful influence. Featuring Antony Gormley, Erchen Chang, Holly Hendry, Sumayya Vally, Thaddeus Mosley, Brendan Fernandes, Shezad Dawood, Lloyd Knight and Stephen Briars. View the full series HERE.

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Noguchi | PRESS RELEASE
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