Journal

The Story of Isamu Noguchi

In the realm of 20th-century art and design, few names are as synonymous with the fusion of sculptural innovation and practical functionality as Isamu Noguchi. An artist who defied the conventional boundaries between disciplines, Noguchi’s work spans sculptures, gardens, furniture, and lighting, each piece a testament to his philosophy that art should make life better for the people who experience it.

"Art should become as one with its surroundings"
- Isamu Noguchi

Akari 1A

$710

Akari 24N

$1315

Akari BB3-33S

$5780

Akari UF3-Q

$2480

Early Life and Influences:
Born in 1904 in Los Angeles to a Japanese poet and an American writer, Isamu Noguchi spent his early years in Japan before moving to Indiana. This bicultural upbringing deeply influenced his aesthetic and philosophical outlook. Noguchi's art was not just about creating objects of beauty, but also about bridging the East and the West, and bringing the serene and the functional into harmonious coexistence.

Artistic Development:
Noguchi’s artistic journey was marked by constant experimentation and learning. His early work under the mentorship of Gutzon Borglum, followed by studies at Columbia University and later at the Leonardo da Vinci Art School, laid the foundational skills in sculpture. However, it was his exposure to the modernist works of Constantin Brancusi in Paris that profoundly shaped his creative direction. Under Brancusi, Noguchi embraced abstraction and began to integrate his work more deeply with the modernist movement, which emphasised minimalism and organic forms.

The Akari Light Sculptures:
Among Noguchi’s most enduring contributions are the Akari Light Sculptures. Each light is meticulously handcrafted at the Ozeki workshop in Gifu, maintaining a tradition that has been upheld since their inception. The process involves using washi paper, made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree, which is known for its durability and ethereal translucence. This paper is stretched over bamboo ribbing, forming airy, geometric shapes that seem to float effortlessly. The creation of each piece is an art form, requiring skilled craftsmanship to ensure the balance of light and shadow that defines every lamp.

To this day, the Ozeki workshop continues to produce these sculptures using the same methods and materials as when Noguchi first designed them. This adherence to traditional techniques not only preserves the authenticity of the Akari but also honours the cultural heritage that inspired them. The result is a piece of living history, a blend of modern design and timeless craftsmanship that illuminates spaces around the world.

Akari UF4-L10

$4310

Noguchi Coffee Table

$5465

Akari E

$5345

Akari 1AY

$790

A Legacy of Public Works:
Perhaps what sets Noguchi apart is his extensive work in public spaces, which includes gardens, playgrounds, and memorial sculptures. His belief in the social significance of sculpture propelled him to create environments that were not only beautiful but also interactive, engaging the public in a dialogue with art. His designs, such as the UNESCO Japanese Garden, highlight his unique ability to bring sculptural grace to everyday utilities.

Continuing Influence and The Noguchi Museum:
Noguchi’s influence continues well beyond his death in 1988, through the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in New York. Established by Noguchi himself, the museum serves as a dynamic archive of his work and a centre for the study of modern art and sculpture. The museum's serene setting and comprehensive collection offer a deep dive into Noguchi's multifaceted career, showcasing his contributions to art, design, and public spaces.

Isamu Noguchi remains a central figure in discussions on how art intersects with daily life. His works, characterised by a deep adherence to both function and form, invite us to reconsider the spaces we inhabit. As we look forward to "Sculpting Light: The Noguchi Experience" at In Good Company, we celebrate not just a collection of beautiful objects, but a profound philosophy that sees beauty and utility as inseparable companions in the craft of living.