Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Masayuki Nagase. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Elements, 2010

Masayuki Nagase
Japanese (born 1949)

Location: Centralia College, Centralia

About the Artwork

Masayuki Nagase's Elements is a metaphor for the ever-changing cycle of life, as well as a literal reminder of it. The boulders and crushed stone landscaping are like a river flowing through the middle of the Centralia College campus. Students travel on it every day. Nagase worked with Centralia College to choose trees that will change with the seasons. They also worked together to choose the native plants that surround the art installation and provide research potential for students and faculty. All of the artwork's elements—the trees, the granite, the planted areas, and even the students—will change with the seasons and the years. The focal point of Elements is the four carved granite boulders placed as seats around a Garry oak tree. The granite seats represent earth, water, wind, and fire. They offer a place to rest, as well as a moment of connection and awareness of nature. The Garry oak is the Centralia College's symbol. Nagase's site-specific artwork consists of four carved granite seats, natural granite boulders, trees, planting areas, and dry crushed stone beds in the middle of the Centralia College campus.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Centralia College.

About the Artist

Artist Masayuki Nagase was born in Kyoto, Japan and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Tokyo. His sculpture and public art projects are internationally recognized. The artist became a resident of the United States in 1995, and lives and works in Berkeley, California.