Anna Gonzalez Noguchi’s practice is informed by her cross-cultural heritage, particularly her relationships with her Japanese grandparents, who often permeate the materials used. She attempts to anchor fragmented memories, its glitches, and inconsistencies, as a way of identifying with her biography.  Combining prosaic and domestic artefacts, such as bath towels, stationery, keepsakes, magnets and buttons, with machine and hand crafted elements, new narratives of being or remembering are created. A continuous presence in the works are cut-outs from her grandfather’s gardening magazines of plants or fruits.

These references to the botanical act as metaphors, memorials, or auras to impermanence and the fluidity of identity.  The images are combined with various typography, both in letter and number form. The graphic qualities of the font forms and stylisation of the cut-outs remind us of their cultural specificity, and they have the conflicting essence of both treasured mementos and kitsch souvenirs.

Also included in the exhibition are a pair of illuminated glass jars with engravings in both English and Japanese, a grappling with language and translation.  Inscribed on each jar base is Saturday and Sunday – which could denote time for family or in recreation.  The lights are sheathed with foam nets like those to protect fruit, which is regarded as a prized gift or offerings in Japanese culture.  The curious title of the exhibition, and punctuated throughout the works, are nods to the name of a hybrid orchid descended from the parental Laelia and Cattleya.  94 also refers to another parental figure, in this case the artist’s grandmother’s current age.

Anna Gonzalez Noguchi: Lc. Galaxy x 94, 14 March - 12 April 2025, Commonage Projects, London, UK

Gonzalez Noguchi will be presenting a public commission at Liverpool Biennial 2025. Her recent exhibitions include Ubiquitous no. 14, Tube Gallery, Mallorca ES (2023) — Halls of Mirrors , Plop Gallery, London UK (2023) — Cloud & Toe, KNULP, Sydney, AUS (2023) — Beyond Fear, Tinos Cultural Foundation, Tinos GR (2023), Kazuko Splendor, La Boulangerie, Paris FR (2023) — A Surviving Image, Zerui, London UK (2023) — Portable Elastic Temple, Pet Projects, Athens GR (2022) — An hearing of an absence, Haus N, Athens GR (2022).

The exhibition at Commonage is her first solo exhibition.