Museum Cobra has received a special addition to its collection: the installation Continuous Existence—A (1977/2025) by Japanese artist Kishio Suga. The work was donated by the artist following his solo exhibition Where Both Sides Meet (June 28–October 26, 2025), Suga’s first solo presentation in the Netherlands.
With this donation, Suga underscores his appreciation for the intensive collaboration with Museum Cobra, the successful exhibition, and the accompanying publication. The gesture also emphasizes the close ties between the museum and the Japanese community in the Netherlands.
Kishio Suga, Continuous Existence—A, 1977/2025. Installation photo Museum Cobra. Photo: LNDWStudio
Kishio Suga (1944) is internationally renowned for his installations that bring together natural and industrial materials in their original state. His work emphasizes the relationship between objects, space, and time—a philosophy that was central to the exhibition Where Both Sides Meet.
A meaningful acquisition
Continuous Existence—A is a later variation of Suga’s iconic work, originally presented at the Tamura Gallery in Tokyo. In this installation, Suga brings together rope, branches, stones, and paper in a fragile balance. The work reflects his exploration of hōchi (letting materials be) and ma (the space between things), key concepts within the Mono-ha movement.
About the publication Where Both Sides Meet
A richly illustrated publication accompanied the exhibition. The book contains images from the exhibition, archival material, and an exclusive conversation between Kishio Suga and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of The Serpentine Galleries, London. The publication highlights the affinity between Suga’s material-oriented practice and the spirit of Cobra: freedom, experimentation, and social engagement. The book invites reflection on the relationship between material, space, and perception and is available in the Museum Cobra museum shop.
Lasting connection
The donation of Continuous Existence—A is a lasting reminder of this acclaimed exhibition and strengthens the international position of Museum Cobra. The work will continue to play a key role in presenting the philosophy of Mono-ha to a wide audience.