99% Invisible Play Mountain
Apr 24, 2019
Explore the artistic genius of Isamu Noguchi, known for his iconic coffee table and visionary concept of Play Mountain—a playground that reimagined public space. Dive into his struggles during World War II and the resilience of the Nisei community amid internment. Discover the evolution of playground design, balancing safety and creativity, and the landmark changes that followed a tragic playground accident. Enjoy a quirky side note on cookie cravings, adding a sprinkle of humor to this insightful discussion.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Noguchi Table
- The Noguchi table, a mid-century modern design icon, is frequently used in media to depict sophistication.
- Ironically, the table's creator, Isamu Noguchi, was an avant-garde artist.
Noguchi's Artistic Vision
- Isamu Noguchi, a renowned sculptor, explored form and texture in his work.
- He aimed to create art that challenged perceptions, making heavy objects feel light and hard materials appear soft.
Head-Busting
- Early in his career, Noguchi sculpted busts of wealthy individuals to support himself.
- He leveraged this "head-busting" for networking and building relationships with potential patrons.