Kohler Presents The Creator’s Journey
During Milan Design Week, Kohler celebrated art, colour and innovation with the work of five artists, including an installation by Janet Echelman and new limited-edition Artist Editions® pieces
Milan Design Week saw the unveiling of American artist Janet Echelman’s large-scale installation Noli Timere suspended above the courtyard of the historic Palazzo del Senato, where Kohler Co. once again took up residence for the week. Renowned for her experiential sculptures realised at the scale of buildings and whole city blocks, Echelman is a long-time Kohler collaborator, with past projects including the 18.02 by Janet Echelman Veil™ vessel sink. Her dynamic Milan installation was as inspiring as it was dramatic, a true centrepiece of the week-long design event.
Championing the visual arts and bringing an artistic sensibility to product design have been vital to Kohler Co.’s identity throughout the brand’s history. In celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Kohler partnered with four artists each trailblazing new paths in their art forms. From Brazil, China, India and the United States respectively, artists Ananda Nahú, Wang Ziling, Pushpa Kumari and ELLE were commissioned as part of Kohler’s Come All Creators initiative that invited creators to use the brand’s designs as their own canvases. Each artwork has been hand-applied to three bathroom products in an exclusive limited-production run of 150 pieces.
The Palazzo del Senato buzzed with activity all week long. After experiencing the Artist Editions collection and Noli Timere, visitors could become artists themselves in an immersive, interactive Creator Room, where they could manipulate the creative colour and pattern overlay on Kohler’s Numi smart toilet.
Images courtesy of Kohler Co.
