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Isamu Noguchi, Trinity, 1945, Gregory , 1948, Strange Bird (To the Sunflower) Photo taken from the Hirshhorn's Facebook page Biomorphic and anthropomorphic themes run through quite a few exhibitions of modern artists in Washington at the moment.  The Hirshhorn's Marvelous Objects: Surrealist Sculpture from Paris to New York has several of the abstract, biomorphic Surrealists such as Miro and Calder.  The wonderful exhibition will come to a close after this weekend. Isamu Noguchi's many sculptures that are part of  Marvelous Objects  deal with an unexpected part of the artist's life and work. Noguchi was interned in a prison camp in Arizona for Japanese-Americans during World War II. Whatever the horrors of his experience, he dealt with it as an artist does -- making art and using creativity to express the experience by transforming it.  Isamu Noguchi, Lunar Landscape, 1944 Lunar landscape comes from immediately after this difficult time period. The ar...

Various artists designed soundproof wall panels in The Next Wave, 21st century design show Congratulations to the Artisphere in Arlington, Va. for showcasing the latest in contemporary industrial design.  The Next Wave: Industrial Design Innovation in the 21st Century is an exhibition curated by Douglas Burton of Apartment Zero.  It's a kaleidoscope of many different designers from around the world, brought together in a pleasing, well-integrated exhibition.  Stacking Drawers by Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay, Israel The objects and furniture taken together become a peaceful setting to make us dream and think about where and how good design and convenient living can come together.  Sleek black and white are mixed with a selection of greens, reds and yellows.  This exhibition's design is superb; it's a treat for the eyes.  Considering that these designers did not plan their pieces to be shown with other designers, this installation is one that shows well as ...