Mu 1951

Isamu Noguchi’s sculpture, Mu, is made from concrete, a common building material in the urban landscape. Here, concrete takes on an unexpected form. The sculpture features two interlocking shapes: a ring above a conical base. It feels ancient and modern at the same time. The rough, unpolished surface of the concrete gives the work a tactile quality, inviting touch and contemplation. Noguchi's engagement with concrete, as a material with industrial and architectural connotations, raises questions about labor and its relationship to art. The act of pouring and casting concrete, in particular, removes the artist's hand from the work in a way that differs from hand-carved sculptures. The sculpture is not only a form, but also a record of the process of its making. Mu, with its material integrity and thoughtful design, invites us to consider the relationship between art, industry, and the built environment, and demonstrates the power of craft in the age of mechanical production.