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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Noguchi

Oct 13, 2021 – Jan 9, 2022
Barbican Centre Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

“Everything is sculpture,” said the Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. “Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.” Inspired by Constantin Brâncuși, Noguchi spent his life creating abstract art that looked born of the natural world. He established a studio on the Japanese island of Shikoku, where he spent six months a year until his death, carving large basalt and granite sculptures. During W.W. II, Noguchi found himself caught in limbo between two heritages—East and West—that were suddenly in mortal conflict. His sculptures and interactive works began to symbolize global citizenship and peace. This exhibition of 150 works explores Noguchi’s nature as a true artistic polymath. Sculptures in stone, ceramics, wood, and aluminum are presented with stage set designs, furniture, lighting, and playground models. —E.C.

“Noguchi” at the Barbican © Tim Whitby / Getty Images.