Of Lamps and Public Places: Noguchi's experimental sculptures

In the USA, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) is regarded as a pioneer who did not see the landscape as a background for sculptures but as an essential component of works of art. Along with a few other sculptors, Noguchi served as a model for the Land Art that emerged in the 20th century. At the same time, the artist with Japanese roots attracted attention as an experimental designer. Materials such as stone, bronze, aluminium and ceramics form the basis for both his works of art and his design pieces. From 23 September to 8 January, the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern is dedicating an exhibition of the same name to Isamu Noguchi. It presents a unique oeuvre that combines diverse techniques and traditions from the USA, Japan and Europe.

Noguchi was born in Los Angeles and worked as an assistant to Constantin Brancusi in Paris for two years from 1927 as part of the Guggenheim Fellowship. There he learned in particular the sculptural handling of wood and stone. As early as 1929, Noguchi had his first solo exhibition in New York and was able to establish himself as a sculptor and designer in the following decades. He took part in the documenta twice (1959 and 1964) and represented the USA at the Venice Biennale in 1986.