EXHIBITION TALK Postmodernism & the Changing Definitions of Art & Craft

While traditionally the Japanese have had no strong distinction between art and craft, the two creative endeavors have long been kept separate in the West. With modernism’s embrace of the applied arts and postmodernism’s obscuring of the definitions, however, the boundaries that separate art and craft are increasingly being called into question.

This panel of experts, including Tsutomu Hiroi, a sculptor and prominent kitemaker who worked with Isamu Noguchi in Japan in the 1950s; Barbara Schwartz, a sculptor and former frequent contributor to Craft Horizons magazine; and noted ceramic artist Jeffrey Mongrain explores Noguchi’s struggles with the intersections of art and craft and reflects on the various issues related to the ongoing debate. Moderated by David McFadden, Chief Curator and Vice President at the Museum of Arts & Design.

Followed by a reception.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society, The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum & the Museum of Arts & Design members & seniors $8; students $5.