During the 2023–2024 school year, high school interns in the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) engaged with Museum staff and arts professionals to develop their individual and collective voices towards diverse self-expression, equity, and inclusivity in the arts. Over 20 weeks, teens learned about the contemporary influences in Isamu Noguchi’s life and work, exploring A Glorious Bewilderment: Marie Menken’s ‘Visual Variations on Noguchi’ and Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within, and collaborated on a final project that explored the possibilities of interdisciplinary art through body, movement, and performance.

TAB interns established a brave space for experimenting with the body and interdisciplinary art by grounding their conversations and creative work in empathy, open-mindedness, and vulnerability. Teens built trust by participating in body-based exercises with artist Yali Romagoza at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts and explored performance through stage set elements for Hérodiade (1944), made in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Martha Graham. Throughout the program, TAB emphasized the importance of allowing all voices to be heard and liberatory possibilities of the body as medium, considering reflective prompts such as: “How can art be used to empower oneself and others? How can the body be used to communicate an idea? What do we choose to say about ourselves with our bodies?”

For their final project, TAB teens created an experimental film entitled Tuism!, expressing the empowerment of multiple identities and inclusive forms of creative expression. The black-and-white film combines footage from The Noguchi Museum galleries, wearable sculptures created during the program, movement sequences derived from exchanges with the Martha Graham School, as well as improvised alter ego origin stories that the teens composed with Alisha Acquaye and Chanel Matsunami Govreau, participants of the Bandung Residency Program and founders of the Unblended Project. In collaborating on storyboarding and editing, teens embraced a model of collective authorship to weave together individual narratives and diverse influences. TAB culminated in a public film screening and installation, followed by a panel discussion with teens on their process creating the film and shared experiences.

Below, 2023–2024 TAB interns Angel Lien, Hana Nguyen, and Sharika Khaton reflect on the personal impact of learning about interdisciplinary art and self-empowerment, exploring identity and inclusivity in museums, and using their authentic voices for change. 

How did learning about interdisciplinary art impact your understanding of how art can be connected to self-empowerment? What will you take away from TAB?

Hana Nguyen: Learning about interdisciplinary art has deepened my understanding of how art connects to self-empowerment. Interdisciplinary practice, which combines various art forms and disciplines, highlights the versatility and potential of creative expression. It has shown me that by integrating different media and methodologies, one can create powerful narratives that meaningfully reflect the diversity of individual and collective experiences. Art and individuals are not meant to be categorized or restricted; since art acts as a reflection of who we are, I believe interdisciplinary approaches allow for the most accurate representation of the complex nature of human experience.

Through the TAB program, I have learned that self-empowerment is deeply linked to the freedom to explore and express one’s unique voice through varied means. The fusion within interdisciplinary art allows for a richer exploration of different identities and stories, encouraging experimentation, crossing boundaries, and embracing diverse perspectives—all vital for personal growth and empowerment. Moving forward, I carry with me the understanding that true empowerment in art comes from a holistic approach to creativity and continuous self-discovery.

Share a specific memory from your time in the 2023–24 Teen Advisory Board. What do you value most about The Noguchi Museum, the TAB program, and the peers in your cohort?

Sharika Khaton: I applied to TAB after learning about past internship projects, such as making zines and performances. Beyond improving my leadership skills, I knew that participating in TAB would require unlocking the confidence that felt trapped within me, allowing me to amplify my voice and boldly advocate for social change through art.

I made so many memories in TAB and truly enjoyed meeting a variety of talented artists and the students in my cohort. We collaborated with teens from Socrates Sculpture Park and the Martha Graham School, and also learned from arts professionals  like Alisha Acquaye and Chanel Matsunami Govreau. Our engagement with Alisha and Chanel is the most memorable for me because they performed in the Museum’s galleries and used fruit as a metaphor for exploring diversity, sexuality, and intersectionality—just like fruit, we all have unique qualities and have roots in different places. In their performance and community practice, these artists use their bodies, clothing, dancing, and writing to show how art is its own language and a way for people to confidently express themselves. Prior to this program, I used to think art was just a painting on canvas, but it’s more than that. Learning about interdisciplinary ways of approaching art has fascinated me.

Our process of creating wearable sculptures provided me with an opportunity for hands-on learning that I truly enjoyed. It was also inspiring to see my peers’ work and hear about their motivations behind creating their sculpture and alter ego. I was amazed by their skills and their art. The experience was especially meaningful for me because I learned to use a sewing machine for the first time when making my wearable scarf sculpture. I cut a variety of fabrics and sewed them together to patch the scarf.

In addition, I truly enjoyed how in the beginning of the program, we chose a sculpture in the Museum that resonated with us or intrigued us to sketch. Learning more about the sculpture gave me a better understanding of Noguchi’s approach to art making and his motivations. I love Core (1978), The Void (1970), Sun at Noon (1969), and Sun at Midnight (1973). I am also intrigued by the sculpture garden at the Museum, which is calm and peaceful.

Through this program, I learned how to express myself more confidently and to be more proud of my identity. I am inspired by the work of Isamu Noguchi, staff members at TAB, and other artists who incorporate their identity into art making, which has changed my viewpoint on art. Art can transcend boundaries and be a way of connecting with our surroundings through sharing stories and creativity when language fails to communicate.

Angel Lien: An unforgettable memory from my time in the TAB program was visiting our educator Yali Romagoza’s studio and the Martha Graham School. It was an enriching experience to see those around me performing rather than instructing. As Yali introduced us to her artworks, I felt a stronger connection to her. It was a touching moment to see my personal experiences reflected in her art. When we collaborated with the other teens at the Martha Graham School, I learned about the power of movement and how it could communicate emotions. As a visual artist, I discovered the bridge between different art forms and how they could be utilized for self-expression. This experience empowered me to step outside my comfort zone and become vulnerable with the audience of my artwork.

The Noguchi Museum has always been a powerful yet peaceful space to be immersed within. Initially, I couldn’t understand the appeal of the sculptures, as they appeared to me only as shapes and forms. However, as we slowly uncovered Noguchi’s intentions and his profound thinking behind the materials, colors, and techniques, I realized his significance and contribution to society. Being a part of the TAB program has left a lasting mark on my life, enhancing not only my artistic skills but also my leadership, collaboration, and analytical abilities. Collaborating with my peers was a great opportunity to engage with other teens who are equally passionate about art-making. As an introvert, it has always been difficult for me to speak for myself. However, spending time with TAB has allowed me to find my voice and significance within the community. I was able to gain new experiences, knowledge, and friendship. I’ve embraced our unique perspectives, and I no longer feel ashamed of my ideas and the change they can bring.