KOHLER PRESENTS ‘THE CREATOR’S JOURNEY’ AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK

Text and Images courtesy of Kohler

At Palazzo del Senato, Milan : April 18 -23, 2023

Iconic KOHLER brand’s immersive installation showcases artist collaborations, new limited-edition global product collection, and aerial sculpture by Arts/Industry alum – Janet Echelman 

The Creator’s Journey presented by Kohler during Milan Design Week features the iconic brand partnering with four contemporary female artists from four different countries to create a limited-edition global collection of 12 new Artist Editions products for the bathroom. The company will also highlight a breathtaking aerial sculpture by prominent creator and Arts/Industry alum Janet Echelman, and a user-controlled design experience at Palazzo del Senato during Fuorisalone in Milan.

Presented by Som Santoso

As part of Kohler’s 150^th anniversary celebration, the global design leader partnered with four artists, each recognized for their boundary-breaking artistic practices. The talented creators were provided carte blanche to bring their visual expressions to Kohler’s products – the Numi 2.0 smart toilet, Brazn sink, and Brazn bathtub. Each product within the collection will be offered in a quantity of 150, honoring Kohler’s anniversary year.

• Ananda Nahú (Brazil), widely recognized for her vibrant murals – KOHLER Artist Editions Flora Tropical

Ananda Nahú

• Ziling Wang (China), known for her innovative use of paint, in particular a paint she invented that can be removed from a canvas and seen in three dimensions – KOHLER Artist Editions A World on Strings

Ziling Wang

• Pushpa Kumari (India), whose intricate line paintings have redefined India’s Mithila tradition – KOHLER Artist Editions Aranya

• Elle (United States), started with graffiti and now includes large scale projects in her global portfolio – KOHLER Artist Editions Falling Gently

“Kohler is dedicated to creating a space for the cross-section of artistry and craftsmanship in our industry,” says Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer for Kohler Co. “This new Artist Editions collection celebrates women of exceptional talent and diverse backgrounds.”

Kohler’s Artist Editions products date back nearly four decades and bring beauty to everyday rituals – pushing boundaries of decorative processes and material sets, helping consumers express personal style in their spaces. Inspired by marrying visual art with manufacturing craftsmanship, Artist Editions sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are adorned with beautiful textures, intricate patterns, abstract illustrations, and picturesque landscapes. The offering also showcases Kohler’s innovative use of specialty glazes and noble materials.

Artist Janet Echelman presents Noli Timere at Palazzo del Senato
Suspended overhead is a monumental aerial sculpture entitled Noli Timere by acclaimed American sculptor and artist, Janet Echelman. She participated in Kohler’s Arts/Industry residency program more than two decades ago. Echelman has also partnered with Kohler on an Artist Editions vessel sink entitled 18.02 that honors the dynamic nature of water (on display in Kohler’s exhibition).

Visitors to Kohler’s installation can also embark on their own “Creator” journey inside an immersive digital experience that allows them to bring art to life through their movements in space. As colors, patterns and shapes surround guests in the Creator room, they can become artists themselves, manipulating the creative overlay on Kohler’s Numi smart toilet.