AV_CTE_004H_1986_01

37m 16.0s

Recollecting his visit to Japan in 1931. Noguchi’s speaking level in Japanese. Interpreting for Langdon Warner. Meeting acquaintances - encountering traditional Noh mask sculptors, Shintoism - frequenting Japanese bars. Kyoto in the 1930’s - intellectual and cultural life. Post-war tourism in Japan - temples as tourist attractions. Discussions of what form a possible book might take - Noguchi’s reflection on his parent’s situation and its impact on his upbringing and life - the importance of Leonie Gilmour’s decision to send Noguchi back to America - her ideal of Japan - the impact of various benefactors and supporters to Noguchi’s development as an artist - Onorio Ruotolo - Hideo Noguchi - Constantin Brancusi. Noguchi’s attraction and response to high society - his concern with social questions in the 1930’s and his subsequent turn towards a more focused art practice in the 1940’s after World War II and the internments of Japanese-Americans. His eventual return to Japan. The importance of Leonie Gilmour to Noguchi’s development as an artist - his father’s secondary role. Brief discussion of Ikuko Atsumi’s work on Noguchi’s father. The purpose of art - no reason at all except leisure - art as DNA. Noguchi dictates a letter to Thomas Armstrong at the Whitney Museum regarding the recent Japanese avant-garde exhibition at the Pompidou Center - The Queen (31).

Multimedia Collection > Sound Recordings > Interviews