Unidentified Object 1979

This is an 'Unidentified Object', by Noguchi Isamu, and it’s made of stone. You get the feeling that Noguchi let the stone tell him what it wanted to be, he’s a sculptor with a plan, but also with a deep respect for his materials. Look closely, and you can see the traces of his process. See how the surfaces are roughly textured? This isn't about hiding the work that went into it, but about showing it off, almost like the stone is still in the process of becoming. The color is just that of the stone itself, a kind of earthy gray-brown that blends into the surroundings. Notice that big hole right at the top? That’s the focal point for me, it creates a dialogue between the interior and exterior space. Noguchi was always playing with the idea of negative space and the tension between mass and void. Think of Barbara Hepworth, who also carved holes in sculptures to mess with our perceptions. Ultimately, it's about seeing the world in new ways, of not taking anything for granted.