Coosje van Bruggen

The 65-foot metal and fiberglass bow tie languishes in Irvine. When technical problems delayed the project, a two-year extension was granted, but the second deadline was missed as well. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
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Van Bruggen and Oldenburgs 35-foot broom and dustpan form “The Big Sweep” at the Denver Art Museum. Van Bruggen first worked with Oldenburg in 1976, when she helped him install his 41-foot Trowel I in Otterlo, The Netherlands. They were married the next year. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)