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Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi created sculptures that have been loved by people of many cultures.

Isamu Noguchi


 California Standard 4.4.9 Analyze the impact of twentieth-century Californians on the nation's artistic and cultural development, including the rise of the entertainment industry (e.g., Louis B. Meyer, Walt Disney, John Steinbeck, Ansel Adams, [MORE] 

When he grew up, Noguchi wanted to be a sculptor. A sculptor carves things from solid materials such as wood or stone. A famous sculptor, however, told Noguchi his artwork was not good enough. Noguchi was sad and studied medicine instead. Before long, though, he returned to art. Noguchi became world-famous for his sculptures, fountains, and gardens.

People in many different cultures have used and loved the beautiful things he made. In 1942, Noguchi spent time in an internment camp for Japanese Americans. He said his experience showed him that "I was...not just American but Japanese American."

 

Explore History

Look at photographs of life in a California internment camp for Japanese people. The camp closed March 20, 1946.

The Big Picture

Look at the three photographs from Japanese art. Noguchi took ideas from Japanese art and life.

Primary Sources

Scroll down to "On Japan." Read Isamu Noguchi’s deep feelings about Japan.