Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Misha Kahn likes to tell stories through the shapes and colors of his designs.
From his current New York studio, this young designer, who received a BFA in furniture design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2011, thinks and imagines pieces that are close to modern sculpture.
Using a variety of processes, from molding to sculpting to welding to weaving, which he then combines with imaginative and idiosyncratic modes of production, Misha Kahn is described by design technologist John Maeda as creating works for a wonderland that pushes boundaries to make way for a grand celebration.
His creative process is complex and the thinking starts with a hand sketch, a clay sculpture, and then a watercolor painting. Sometimes Misha Kahn even has to travel across continents to meet craftspeople who can help her develop her ideas.
Today, his free approach is represented by Friedman Benda. A gallery that encourages synthesis between leading thinkers and designers by creating opportunities to make new connections within the global design community.
At Design Miami/Basel in June, Misha Kahn presented several designs, including two that play with light, color, form, and space. A sofa first published in 2020 called “Mole Eats Worm,” made from shapes sculpted from steel, wrapped in interlocking cushions, covered in mohair.
This work was carried out in collaboration with the Italian upholsterer Tappezzerie Druetta, inviting magic to join the symbiosis resulting from this skillful, artistic mix. A creation available in several shapes and colors. The table “Something in the water” invites you to come closer and discover the details of a play of depth and balance created from painted plastic that looks strangely like ceramic.
He has also been exhibited internationally at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His work is also part of the permanent collection of many museums and public collections, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Corning Museum of Glass.
Over the years, Misha Kahn has established himself as one of the leading creative voices of his generation.
New York – United States
Thomas Durin