Noguchi’s New York

Editorial note

This exhibition examines Isamu Noguchi’s deep and dynamic relationship with New York City, exploring how its material, cultural, social, and political landscape indelibly transformed his artwork and thinking, and how he in turn transformed the city. It also highlights Noguchi’s unflagging attempts to give back by sculpting communal spaces for exploration and play—efforts often thwarted, most notably by the influential NYC Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. Noguchi’s New York encompasses more than 50 works, including sculptures, project models, photographs, and archival materials. The exhibition also brings to life Noguchi’s visions for unrealized playgrounds and playground equipment through a series of hand-painted animated films by Jack Cunningham and Nicolas Ménard of Eastend Western.