
Constantin BrancusiRomanian, 1876–1957May one see it?
New York, United States
On public display.
1926
Back to the United States: the Wildenstein and Brummer exhibitions
In 1926 Brâncuși returns to the United States: the Wildenstein Gallery presents his work in a group exhibition and then in a solo exhibition (16 February to 3 March), and on 17 November another exhibition opens at the Brummer Gallery, remaining on view until 15 December.
1926–1928
Brancusi v. United States: a bird is a work of art
During the trip United States customs officials detain a bronze “Bird in Space”, classify it as an article of metal and impose the tariff applied to manufactured objects. The case “Brancusi v. United States” ends in 1928 with the sculpture being accepted as a work of art.
1927
Isamu Noguchi as his studio assistant
In 1927 the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi works as an assistant in Brâncuși’s studio, sawing and polishing pieces, preparing the studio and keeping the tools sharp. The experience brings him closer to direct carving in stone and wood.
1929
A portrait of James Joyce for the Black Sun Press
In 1929 Harry and Caresse Crosby commission portraits of James Joyce from Brâncuși for the limited edition of “Tales Told of Shem and Shaun”, published by the Black Sun Press. He makes profile and frontal drawings and a composition formed from a spiral and vertical lines, which Caresse selects for the frontispiece: the book calls it “Portrait of the Author”, while Brâncuși uses the title “Symbol of James Joyce”.