Folded Torso 1959

Noguchi Isamu created this striking sculpture, Folded Torso, using what appears to be painted wood. The title immediately suggests figuration, yet the object is severely abstract. Noguchi was a Japanese-American artist working in the mid to late twentieth century, a period when the institutions of art were grappling with new forms of abstraction and expression. His sculpture synthesizes Eastern and Western traditions. The minimalist form reflects the modernist aesthetic prevalent in Western art institutions, while the influence of Japanese aesthetics, with their emphasis on simplicity and harmony, is equally apparent. The sculpture invites us to reflect on the dialogue between different cultural traditions and the role of art in bridging them. Art historians rely on sources from both cultures to understand the artist's sources, inspirations and social context. This way we can appreciate not only the artistic skill, but the social commentary embedded in the work.