Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Etsuko Ichikawa. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2020.

Floating Colors, 2018

Etsuko Ichikawa
Japanese (born 1963)

Location: Pullman High School, Pullman

About the Artwork

Floating Colors is an installation designed specifically for the entrance of Pullman High School in Eastern Washington. Artist Etsuko Ichikawa was inspired by “the soft curved landscape and its vivid colors, flocking birds, schooling fish, and words such as future forward, double rainbows, generations return, friendship.” As you explore the space from different floors and angles, from inside and outside, there are infinite ways to see the colorful dots line up in different arrangements that might prompt you to think about synchronization, natural formations, and harmony.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Pullman School District.

About the Artist

Artist Etsuko Ichikawa creates conceptual sculptures, site-specific installations, performance art, and mixed-media artworks. She is known for her "glass pyrograph" abstract drawings made with fire by scorching paper with molten glass. She is also a filmmaker, and activist.
Ichikawa was born in Tokyo, Japan and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tokyo Zokei University. She moved to Washington State in 1993 to attend Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. She worked as a studio assistant for Dale Chihuly for eight years. Ichikawa has worked as an independent, full-time artist since 2003. She now resides in Hawaii.