Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer”
by Monica Obniski (Contributor), Marin R. Sullivan (Contributor), Alexandra Lange (Contributor), Marci Kwon (Contributor), Ken Tadashi Oshima (Contributor), Amy Lyford (Contributor), Christina Hiromi Hobbs (Contributor), Holly Gore (Contributor), Glenn Adamson (Contributor), Marc Treib (Contributor), Naoaki Nakamura (Contributor), Sanae Nakatani (Contributor), Matt Kirsch (Contributor), Deborah A. Goldberg (Contributor), Amy Auscherman (Contributor)
A major retrospective offers a new perspective on the work of Noguchi, whose remarkable design and artistic legacy encompasses sculpture, lighting, furniture, ceramics, public plazas, and garden design.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2026, the High Museum of Art is launching an exhibition and accompanying catalogue, which together explore the extraordinary sixty-year career of influential artist and designer Isamu Noguchi. Next year is also the fiftieth anniversary of Playscapes, a Noguchi-designed playground located just a few blocks from the museum. Though Noguchi claimed he was not a designer, the High Museum approaches his work through the design lens, bringing to light many potently prescient and under-explored aspects of his practice. Noguchi exemplified the interdisciplinary, social-minded approach to the role of artist-designer, and his never-ending search for modes of expression reflected an unusually expansive view that extended across everything from sculpture, furniture, and lighting to landscapes, stage sets, and kitchen timers.
This comprehensive volume features more than twenty in-depth essays and shorter vignettes by an impressive international roster of scholars and curators, addressing all aspects of Noguchi’s design practice. In addition, a rich and diverse selection of more than 250 archival and contemporary images depict the works in the exhibition as well as illuminate and expand on Noguchi’s exceptional career.
Essential reading for Noguchi fans, this book also appeals to lovers of modern art, mid-twentieth-century architecture and design, and the creative ethos that imbues everything Noguchi.
U.S. Orders
Free Shipping
- Orders of $75 and more
Standard Delivery
- $12.95 Flat-rate standard shipping to the contiguous 48 states
- $24.95 Flat-rate standard shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories
- $6.95 Media mail shipping
- Standard shipping time is 3 to 7 business days
- Some exclusions apply
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
Express Delivery
- $28.95 Express delivery to the contiguous 48 states
- Orders placed before 10 am Central Time will be delivered within 2 business days
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
- For orders outside of the contiguous 48 states, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Overnight Delivery
- $44.95 Overnight delivery to the contiguous 48 states
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
- Orders placed before 10 am Central Time will be delivered within 1 business day
For orders outside of the contiguous 48 states, email orderssupport@mfah.org
International Orders
- International shipping is available for in-stock items
- Pricing and delivery times vary by country and will be shown at checkout
- Shipments may be subject to additional fees
- Expected delivery times will be shown at checkout
- All international sales are final
- International orders are excluded from free shipping offers
For questions, changes, cancellations, or express shipping options, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Gift Cards
- MFA Shop gift cards ordered online will be delivered via email upon purchase
If you would like send or receive a physical gift card, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Custom Fine Art Prints
Made-to-order reproductions are custom printed on demand and are nonreturnable. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks production time. These items ship from Oregon and are not available for in-store pickup.
In-Store Returns
Most items may be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Items must be in the same condition that you received them; unworn or unused; with tags; and in the original packaging. Proof of purchase is required for all returns. Please see below for ineligible items.
If you have any questions regarding your return, email orderssuport@mfah.org
Damages and Issues
If you received a damaged or incorrect item, please email orderssuport@mfah.org right away.
Not Eligible for Return
- Beauty items, including perfumes, candles, and lotions
- Perishable goods, including food, chocolate, flowers, and plants
-
Custom orders, special orders, and personalized items
- Discounted or Sale items
If you have questions about return eligibility, email orderssuport@mfah.org
Exchanges
To initiate an exchange, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Online Returns
Online returns follow the same guidelines as in-store returns. To initiate a return, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Return shipping charges are at your own expense and are nonrefundable unless the item was received damaged or faulty, or an incorrect item was shipped. Please be sure to have a tracking number for the return shipment.
Package and return your item(s) to:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Attn: Retail Department
5600 Fannin St
Houston TX 77004
Please Note: If you send a return without first initiating contact with MFA Shop, the return will not be accepted.
Refunds
Returns will be processed to the original payment card within 7 days of arrival. Please allow 2 to 3 days processing time for the funds to be returned to your card.
For an update on your refund, email orderssuport@mfah.org