The Facts
On October 22, 2026, White Cube announced that The Noguchi Museum in New York will present 'No Ordinary Light: Akari at 75', an exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of Noguchi's Akari light sculptures. The exhibition runs from November 4, 2026 to September 5, 2027, tracing the significance of the paper and bamboo light sculptures Noguchi first made in Gifu, Japan in 1951. Over his career, Noguchi produced more than 200 Akari sculptures, placing them in domestic settings, large-scale installations, and in dialogue with materials such as stone, metal, and clay. The exhibition revisits key historical presentations, including the debut at the Eames House in 1952 and Noguchi's solo presentation at the Venice Biennale in 1986.
The Signal
The exhibition marks a major institutional survey of one of the 20th century’s most iconic design objects, underscoring Noguchi's fusion of sculpture and functional light. It highlights the enduring market for Akari works, which remain collectible across design and fine art categories. By contextualizing Akari within Noguchi's broader practice and historical moments, the show reinforces the artist's legacy as a bridge between modernist sculpture and everyday life, a signal for continued institutional and collector interest in mid-century design.
- Artists: Isamu Noguchi
- People: Isamu Noguchi
- Galleries: White Cube
- Museums: The Noguchi Museum
- Locations: New York
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
