York University
Art Collection Online

Kosso Eloul is most recognized for his perfectly balanced geometric stainless-steel sculptures. Eloul’s work is marked by a minimum of two pieces which are typically balanced upon one another. Using simple shapes, most commonly rectangles, Eloul provides a sense of warmth and humanism to materials that are mainly associated with industry and technology.

The highly polished stainless steel not only prevents rusting but gives unity and order to the pieces, which are emphasized by the act of balancing that brings separate blocks together. Kobar 1/3 is one of three copies of the same sculpture throughout the city and was created at the beginning of the artist’s time in Toronto. Unlike some of his other sculptures, Kobar 1/3 seems like the two rectangle blocks are tumbling over, giving the work a domino effect. However, despite the fact that the blocks appear to be tumbling, a sense of unity is maintained in that both are leaning in the same direction. The unity is also seen in the point of contact upon which the blocks meet, incorporating the crucial element of touch that is common in Eloul’s work.