Looking Up: The Skyviewing Sculptures of Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi's Skyviewing Sculpture was created in 1969 for Western Washington University, acting as an observatory and encouraging viewers to look up to the sky. The sculpture reflects Noguchi's interest in space and our place in the universe, and the book includes essays by leading specialists and contemporary photos of its creation, transportation, and installation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

Isamu Noguchi's Skyviewing Sculpture, crafted in 1969 by invitation for Western Washington University, nestled north of Seattle, stands as a remarkable testament to his artistic vision. At a towering height of 14 feet, this awe-inspiring sculpture gracefully sits in the university's central quad, acting as an observatory, beckoning viewers to step inside and cast their gaze upward. Throughout his illustrious career as an artist and landscape architect, Skyviewing remained a central theme in Noguchi's artistic oeuvre, spanning from his early collaborations with Constantin Brancusi in Paris in 1928 to his passing in 1988. His sculptures, some resembling polished stone telescopes, mirror the celestial expanse, while others intricately trace the path of the sun with cast shadows or guide the eye upward, inviting contemplation of the vastness of the sky.

At Western Washington University, Noguchi's Skyviewing Sculpture invites the viewer into its realm, guiding their gaze upward to immerse themselves in the breathtaking tapestry of the sky. This masterpiece explores Noguchi's profound exploration of space, our place within the universe, and the ever-evolving artistic landscape that shaped his remarkable career. The book delves into these themes, offering insightful essays by esteemed specialists, complemented by a comprehensive plate section and contemporary photographs that document the sculpture's creation, transportation, and installation.

In conclusion, Isamu Noguchi's Skyviewing Sculpture stands as a testament to his enduring legacy as an artist and visionary. Through its invitation to observe the sky, this remarkable sculpture invites us to contemplate our place in the vastness of the universe and sparks a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

Weight: 964g
Dimension: 226 x 287 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911282617