Gregory
“To be hybrid anticipates the future”
In Gregory (Effigy), Noguchi explores themes of hybridity using the abstract language of modern sculpture. It’s a subject he continually explored, influenced by his mixed heritage and the experience of growing up in both Japan and the United States. The dynamic tension of living in between cultures, not fully belonging to either, served as both a source of isolation and inspiration throughout his life.
- Title
- Gregory
- Description
- Gregory is inspired by Gregor, the main character in Franz Kafka’s absurdist novella, The Metamorphosis. After waking one morning to find he has become a large insect, Gregor’s life slowly deteriorates as the last remnants of his human life are lost and his family turns on him, burdened by the responsibility of caring for the house’s former breadwinner while hiding him from outsiders. Gregor, though at first casually inconvenienced by his fate, cannot live with the discomfort he has brought to his family and ultimately dies to avoid furthering burdening them further.
- Subject
- Sculpture
- Creator
- Noguchi, Isamu
- Date Created
- 1945, cast 1964
- Medium
- Bronze, dark green patina on wooden base
- bronze (metal)
- verdigris (patina)
- wood (plant material)
- Extent
-
Bronze, dark green patina:
67 3/4" x 11 3/8" x 16 (172.1 x 28.9 x 40.6 cm)
Wood base:
11 3/8" x 15 x 18 (28.9 x 38.1 x 45.7 cm) - Coverage
- The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
- Rights
- ©INFGM
- Rights Holder
-
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation, Inc., 1983
Current collection, 2004 - Identifier
- Bio_Sculpt011_IN_Gregory
- Source
- The Noguchi Museum
- Item sets
- The Biomorphism
- Media
