“Isamu Noguchi Light Exhibits” at Moerenuma park, Sapporo, Hokkaido

“Isamu Noguchi Light Exhibits” is open to the public at the “Glass Pyramid” in the Moerenuma park, Sapporo, Hokkaido till March 5, 2017.

Courtesy of Moerenuma Park

Courtesy of Moerenuma Park

Courtesy of Moerenuma Park

Isamu Noguchi got fascinated by “light” in 1940s. He remembered himself to have become interested in the relationship between light, reflective surfaces, and sculptures which are lit up from inside; he came up with works: “Arizona” and “Lunars” which sculpture and light were combined into one. (reference: Isamu Noguchi the Kyoto Prize Commemorative Lecture in 1986)

In 1951, what fascinated Noguchi who visited Gifu, Japan was a traditional art “Gifu Chochin,” paper lanterns. A lantern which had a light inside, made of Japanese paper “Washi” and banboo, was nothing but light-emitting sculpture. Since then, Noguchi has been making approx. 200 lightings throughout his lifetime. It is not merely sculpture for aesthetic purposes, but it is something that is actually very useful, and very much a part of people’s lives. Here is an essence that Noguchi clung to. His 33 lighting works warmly welcome visitors in his Light Exhibits.

Mr. Isamu Noguchi