Noguchi Museum: A contemplative space away from the hustle and bustle of the city
In the atmospheric setting of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in Long Island City, New York, iF Design USA was given a private tour by the museum's curator and director of research. Read about 20th century design icon Isamu Noguchi and why he had such an impact on the world of design.
Born in 1904 to a Japanese poet and an American writer, Isamu Noguchi was a true multi-talent - a pioneer whose work continues to inspire designers, artists and architects today. Many know him best for his Akari lamps or freeform coffee table, but Noguchi left behind an impressive artistic legacy that went far beyond lighting: he created sculpture, furniture, stage sets and even landscape designs.
iF Design at the Noguchi Museum
In December, iF Design hosted a special holiday event at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, New York. Host Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director of iF Design USA, joined renowned designers, educators, iF Design Award jurors and winners, and other representatives of the creative community for an inspiring evening surrounded by the timeless artistic works of Isamu Noguchi. The tour was led by Matt Kirsch, curator und director of research (middle).
This legacy is preserved in the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, New York - a museum founded by the artist himself in 1985 in a former industrial building. On two floors and in a garden surrounded by bamboo, his works can be viewed in a tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can hear the rustling of leaves, the crunch of pebbles underfoot and the gentle splash of water fountains. At the centre of the permanent exhibition are Noguchi's iconic stone sculptures, often inspired by natural forms and human figures.
Noguchi, who began his artistic career as a sculptor, did not limit himself to a single medium, unlike many of his colleagues. His keen interest in materials led him to experiment with a remarkable variety - from stone and metal to wood, clay, paper and glass. His extraordinary ability to grasp materials intuitively and use them creatively was based less on learned craftsmanship than on a love of experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep sense of form and texture.
His central concern was always to create a connection with the human body, the environment and the senses. Noguchi firmly rejected the traditional division between art and design, which sees art as a means of unleashing creativity and design as a functional tool. Instead, he questioned what it meant to create. For him, design was a natural extension of his artistic practice. He never saw himself as a designer, but always as an artist and sculptor. His designs were essentially works of art, reflecting a deep understanding of form, space and material, enriching everyday life, transforming spaces and enhancing human interaction with the world. Whether it is the iconic Noguchi table, the mesmerising Akari lamps or the dynamic outdoor spaces he designed, Noguchi's work is always a dialogue between art, design and the surrounding world.
Isamu Noguchi
Artist & Designer
Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) was a major sculptor and artist of the 20th century. He created sculptures, furniture and lighting designs, as well as landscapes and stage sets. He incorporated impressions from his many travels into his works, which used a wide variety of materials. In 1927, he worked in the studio of Constantin Brancusi in Paris, which influenced his move towards abstraction and modernism. On his return, he concentrated on portrait sculpture, design commissions and works such as the sculpture for freedom of the press in Rockefeller Center, NY. In 1985 he founded the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, NY.
Noguchi's approach teaches us that creativity is not confined to rigid categories or disciplines. His work is a powerful demonstration of how far openness to new ideas and a dose of courage can take you. His focus on the human experience - on connection, balance and harmony - also remains a timeless message. It resonates particularly today with a new generation of designers who are increasingly concerned with the social and environmental impact of their work. Noguchi's work reminds us that the best designs are not just functional, but deeply connected to our experiences, emotions and the world around us.
The event was followed by a convivial gathering at a local café, where guests continued to philosophise about the power of art, design and craft over drinks and canapés in an exuberant atmosphere overlooking midtown Manhattan. It was an all-round successful evening to remember for a long time to come.
www.noguchi.org
Photo Credits:
The Noguchi Museum/ARS
Nicholas Knight