Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer” Exhibition

About this event

Explore a major retrospective that offers a new perspective on the design work of Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988).

As one of the 20th century’s most critically acclaimed and genre-blurring artists, Noguchi created a remarkable design legacy encompassing sculpture, lighting, furniture, ceramics and designs for public spaces such as gardens, playgrounds and plazas.

Organized by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer” shines a light on the artist’s limitless creativity and social consciousness. Discover the evolution of Noguchi’s design work, particularly the way he created environments through theatrical set design, furniture and inclusive public spaces — all of which were intentionally designed to improve the way people lived. Many of his designs remain incredibly popular, such as the celebrated coffee table and Akari light sculptures that you may recognize in stores today. As Noguchi once said, “Everything is sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.”

Noguchi also excelled at working collaboratively and forming close relationships with other creative professionals, particularly with modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, American architect R. Buckminster Fuller and Romanian sculptor and painter Constantin Brâncuși. These fruitful creative relationships are also highlighted within the exhibition.

Follow along on social media using #PEMNoguchi

From Peabody Essex Museum