Anna Gonzalez Noguchi’s art practice is informed by her cross-cultural heritage, particularly her relationship with her Japanese grandparents, who often inspire the materials used in her work. She attempts to preserve fragmented memories and experiences from her childhood – including their glitches and inconsistencies – as a way of identifying with her biography and heritage.
The artist combines machine and hand-made objects, some of which are found and some created new. She layers them on top of one another to give them new life and purpose, referencing how our memories can often change or take on new meaning over time. The works have a nostalgic quality, reminding us of both treasured family mementos and kitsch souvenirs. A continuous presence in the artist’s works are references to plants and fruits, including cut-outs from her grandfather’s gardening magazines and buttons in the shape of flowers. These botanical symbols act as a metaphor or memorial to the impermanence and fluidity of identity.
A major outdoor sculpture by the artist is exhibited at Mann Island.
Courtesy of the artist.