Isamu Noguchi / Qi Baishi / Beijing 1930

In 1930, renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) journeyed to Beijing, where he studied with the Chinese brush-and-ink painter Qi Baishi (1864–1957). Qi, greatly admired for his dynamic brushwork and calligraphy, had a profound impact on Noguchi. As he later said, “All Japanese art has roots in China.” Isamu Noguchi/Qi Baishi/Beijing 1930 brings together the work of these two artists for the first time. Published to accompany a traveling exhibition, this volume features some 65 drawings by Noguchi and ink painting and calligraphic works by Qi. Noguchi’s drawings suggest a keen observation of Qi’s masterful skills and artistry with free-spirited lines, bold brushstrokes, and a purposeful use of void space.