Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Artwork copyright Michihiro Kosuge. Photo courtesy of Washington State University - Spokane.

Cooperation, 1998

Michihiro Kosuge
(Japanese, born 1943, died 2021)

Location: Washington State University - Spokane, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Cooperation is comprised of a series of seven carved and polished sculptures created by artist Michihiro Kosuge. They are installed at multiple locations near the Spokane River, on the Washington State University satellite campus. The stone sculptures resemble ancient monuments and act as a gathering place for students. They also investigate mass, balance, proportion, and texture.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State University.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist and teacher Michihiro Kosuge (1943-2021) was known in the Northwest for his sculptures and public installations made with stone. His art explored the interaction of humans with nature and respected the natural world. He noted, "I never thought that I was a patient person... [working with] stone helped make me be patient."
Kosuge was born in Tokyo, Japan and studied sculpture at Tokyo Sumida Technical School of Architecture. At age 21, he came to the U.S. to study architecture. He explains that, "After taking several art courses to better understand shape and form, I found that making sculpture was a much better way to express my ideas and my way of thinking." Kosuge earned his Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1970. He taught at Portland State University from 1978 until his retirement in 2003.