After ten years absence, he returns to the Big Apple with an exhibit and as winner of the Noguchi Award
The Ippodo Gallery inaugurated an exhibit of Japanese sculptor Kan Yasuda who works in Japan and Italy. This is his first solo show in the Big Apple in a decade. The marble and bronze sculptures, small to medium in size, are harmoniously displayed and exquisitely lit to draw the viewer into their ora. The sculptures capture one’s attention at first with their simple yet intriguing geometry. Upon approach, the interplay of their positive and negative planes reveal itself and creates tensions to be experienced in the round. In contrast with his monumental work, here it is the mind’s eye of the viewer which is encouraged and guided to enter and discover the essence of its unconsciousness. It holds you suspended in meandering reflection.
On display, marbles and bronzes, small to medium in size, which GUIDE THE EYE OF THE VISITOR TO EXPLORE ITS ESSENCE
One is allowed to touch and follow with their hand its topography discovering hidden messages that could not be seen, only felt. Thus an enhanced appreciation of these highly tactile works can be acquired. Then, on November 17th 2025, the Noguchi Foundation honored Kan Yasuda with its twelfth Isamu Noguchi Award. The annual award is given to two “highly accomplished individuals who share Noguchi’s spirit of innovation, unbounded imagination, and uncompromising commitment to creativity”. The second honorary was the architect Mira Nakashima. Surrounded by Noguchi’s work, on Noguchi’s birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Museum, the event started with a viewing period when patrons and awardees could meet. The mood was celebratory and the enthusiasm keen to honor the awardees and the Foundation.
His boundless imagination and unwavering commitment to creativity have earned him the Noguchi Award
For Yasuda, who worked alongside Noguchi in the early stage of his career, the recognition was deeply personal and even nostalgic in the absence of his friend Isamu. During his presentation Yasuda stated: “I want to bring into the world more works that children can touch and hug using their whole body so they can feel something”. Today, the sculptor, 80 years old, can be found at Giorgio Angeli’s studio, Querceta (Italy), five to six days a week. He is working toward a greater form of expression, a new vehicle to take us to explore unexpected emotions. The ceremony was held at the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in Long Island, NY. As Shoko Aono, the director of the Hippodo Galley NY said: “Kan’s work is not something to be seen, but something to be touched”.
Yasuda states: "I want to bring into the world more works that children can touch and hug with their whole body, so that they can feel something"
