A pioneering artist and designer of the mid to late 20th century, Noguchi experimented with a wide range of materials, including stone, metal, wood, clay, fiberglass, and paper producing sculptures that bridge the gap between art and functionality. Though not attached to any one art movement, his vast body of work spans ideas of minimalism, pop art, and modernism, with works ranging from monumental public sculpture to everyday household furniture. Today, contemporary artists, including those in Sculpture Milwaukee, build upon and reference the experimentation in form and materiality that Noguchi championed. Some of his most notable designs include a glass-top coffee table with interlocking legs, and paper light fixtures, both of which can still be found in department and designer stores today.

Noguchi’s Octetra (two-element column) is part of the artist’s Playscapes, a series of sculptures that demonstrate his fascination with geometry and the interplay between positive and negative space. The series incorporates organic forms, curves, and smooth surfaces to provide a tactile stimulating environment for children to explore and play. Much like architectural spaces, Noguchi’s Octera sculptures celebrate the tension between solidity & openness, foster social interaction & activity, and seamlessly integrate art into everyday life.