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Isamu Noguchi — Red Cube
Isamu Noguchi

Red Cube

1968

This monumental cube of painted steel and aluminum tilts dramatically at 45 degrees in the plaza at 140 Broadway, creating an optical illusion of unstable balance. Completed in 1968 by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the work measures approximately 66 feet on each side and challenges our perception of weight and gravity through its bold geometric form and vibrant red coloring. A circular void punctures one face, adding complexity to its austere minimalist composition. Situated among Manhattan's towering skyscrapers, the sculpture creates an unexpected moment of visual drama in the urban landscape, inviting pedestrians to circumnavigate its massive form and experience it from multiple vantage points. The work exemplifies Noguchi's mastery of abstraction and his commitment to integrating sculpture into public space. Photo by teleterapia.fi on Unsplash

Medium
Painted steel and aluminum

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Spotted works by Isamu Noguchi

About this work

Isamu Noguchi, Red Cube, 1968

This monumental cube of painted steel and aluminum tilts dramatically at 45 degrees in the plaza at 140 Broadway, creating an optical illusion of unstable balance. Completed in 1968 by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the work measures approximately 66 feet on each side and challenges our perception of weight and gravity through its bold geometric form and vibrant red coloring. A circular void punctures one face, adding complexity to its austere minimalist composition. Situated among Manhattan's towering skyscrapers, the sculpture creates an unexpected moment of visual drama in the urban landscape, inviting pedestrians to circumnavigate its massive form and experience it from multiple vantage points. The work exemplifies Noguchi's mastery of abstraction and his commitment to integrating sculpture into public space. Photo by teleterapia.fi on Unsplash

Medium
Painted steel and aluminum
Year
1968
Seen at
140 Broadway

Related themes

Steel, Twentieth Century, New York City, Monumental, Urban Sculpture, Cubic Form, Modernist, Public Art, Sculpture, Outdoor Installation, Geometric Form, Public Square, Painted Metal, Contemporary Art, Red Sculpture, Iconic Landmark, Abstract, Large Scale, Minimalism, Architectural Integration

More works by Isamu Noguchi

Collected by

Art Institute of Chicago