a Grand Master of Sculpture: Noguchi

Today marks the centennial of Isamu Noguchi, the japanese-american sculptor. For many years he has been one of my favorite artists. Noguchi's work always pleases the eye and challenges the mind. He was a very versatile experimentor in 20th century art, equally interested in working with stone and wood, glass and steel, and many other materials. He also was one of the few artists who imbodied at least two cultures and successfully fused his dual ethnic background into a unified international artistic personality.

It is always a pleasure to see his work and I was privileged to see both shows which are on view this fall in New York. Kind of an early birthday present for me since I share the same birthday with Nochugi. Now that I know his birthday falls on the same day as mine I can quit advancing my b-day counter and only celebrate his. What a nice deal once you're over 50! Happy Birthday, Noguchi, may your work continue to live forever.

Seriously, though: Both shows, one at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the other at the Noguchi Museum and Garden in Long Island City make a beautiful combo. They help to showcase the full spectrum of his long and productive career. Both venues are also distinctly different, so that you get a multitude of added dimensions when you visit both.

If you live at the West Coast I highly recommend to see Noguchi's urban Zen garden at South Coast Plaza in Orange County south of LA. It is on permanent display and one of the true masterpieces of a modern sculptural environment. And for you who don't have easy access to either coast we have the internet and a very nicely made comprehensive website about the person, his time, and his work. It goes to show, even virtual sculpture can be pretty interesting (at least when it features a Grand Master like Noguchi). Or if you are really interested in the REAL THING then get yourself some Noguchi furniture and light fixtures. Not only are they neat, they are practical, too.