Water Stone, 1987—Installing Isamu Noguchi's Iconic Sculpture | From the Vaults

Summary

The video showcases the intricate installation process of Isamu Noguchi's sculpture in the Japanese Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Noguchi, an American sculptor, collaborated closely with museum staff to ensure the piece's perfection. The sculpture, a modern take on a traditional Japanese garden basin, required careful attention to detail, especially in leveling the stone for optimal water flow. The work, which embodies harmony between rock and water, reflects Noguchi’s belief in imperfection, with the natural flow of water adding to its beauty. The video highlights Noguchi's artistry and philosophy at the age of 82.

Takeaways

• 😀 Isamu Noguchi’s sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum in New York features water flowing from a seven-sided stone, blending traditional and modern elements.
• 😀 The installation of the artwork posed unique challenges, including concerns about the appearance of plumbing and ensuring the stone's flat top was level with the center of the Earth.
• 😀 Noguchi emphasized that the water's flow should be perfectly even around the stone, requiring careful positioning of the stone over several hours.
• 😀 The sculpture's base is supported by five stones cut to be mirror-smooth on both sides, contributing to the sculpture's overall aesthetic.
• 😀 The surrounding granite stones for the installation were sourced from the Ise River in Japan, near sacred Shinto shrines, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the piece.
• 😀 Imperfection was celebrated in the design; Noguchi stressed that nature's imperfections were more important than striving for perfection in the installation.
• 😀 The sculpture's water feature was meant to interact harmoniously with the rocks, creating a beautiful effect when water is sprinkled on them daily.
• 😀 Noguchi’s approach to art and design emphasizes the interplay of rock and water, creating a calming and meditative atmosphere.
• 😀 The Japanese tradition of integrating nature into architecture was reflected in the sculpture, with views of nature central to the artwork's design.
• 😀 Noguchi, born in Los Angeles in 1904, was 82 years old when the sculpture was installed, showcasing his long-lasting impact on the world of sculpture and design.

Q & A

What challenges did Isamu Noguchi face during the installation of his sculpture?

Isamu Noguchi faced several challenges during the installation, including concerns about the positioning and stability of the stone, the visibility of the plumbing, and ensuring the water flowed perfectly over the sculpture.

Why was it important for the sculpture to be level in relation to the center of the Earth?

It was important for the sculpture to be perfectly level to ensure that the water flowed evenly over the stone, which was crucial for the visual harmony and the intended effect of the sculpture.

How did Noguchi's team achieve precision during the installation?

Noguchi's team achieved precision by using stones to support the sculpture, ensuring that the flat top of the stone was perfectly level. They used a pinch bar to make small adjustments to achieve the perfect alignment.

What role did Mr. Izumi play in the installation process?

Mr. Izumi, Noguchi's studio head, helped with the installation by offering guidance and support, particularly with technical aspects of the project, as he came from Japan and was experienced in Noguchi's installations.

What is the significance of the granite stones used in the sculpture?

The granite stones used in the sculpture come from the Ise River in Japan, near sacred Shinto shrines, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the piece.

How did Noguchi feel about making the sculpture 'perfect'?

Noguchi believed that imperfection was more important than perfection, embracing the natural, imperfect flow of water over the stone, which was seen as a reflection of the natural world.

What did Noguchi mean by 'harmony of rock and water'?

Noguchi's phrase 'harmony of rock and water' referred to the peaceful, natural interaction between the rock and the flowing water in his sculpture, symbolizing balance and the connection between nature and art.

Why is the well drilled into the stone important for the water flow?

The well drilled into the stone creates a deep space where the water is stilled, allowing the water to flow horizontally over the stone, providing a serene, controlled movement rather than shooting upwards.

What role did the wetness of the rocks play in the sculpture’s appearance?

The wetness of the rocks brought them to life, highlighting the texture and creating a dynamic visual effect. It also added to the natural aesthetic, as the Japanese tradition involves sprinkling water on rocks every morning.

How old was Isamu Noguchi when this sculpture was installed?

Isamu Noguchi was 82 years old when the sculpture was installed at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.