Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Misha Kahn loves to tell stories through the shapes and colors of his creations.
In his New York studio, this young designer, who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2011 with a BFA in furniture design, thinks and imagines pieces akin to modern sculpture.
Using processes ranging from molding and sculpture to welding and weaving, which he then combines with imaginative and singular modes of production, Misha Kahn is described by design technologist John Maeda as a creator of works destined for a wonderland that pushes boundaries to make way for a grand celebration.
Her creative process is complex, and begins with a hand sketch, a clay sculpture, then a watercolor painting. Sometimes, Misha Kahn even travels across continents to meet artisans who can help her develop her ideas.
Today, the free-spirited artist is represented by Friedman Benda. A gallery that encourages dialogue between leading thinkers and creators, creating opportunities to make new connections within the global design community.
At Design Miami/Basel last June, Misha Kahn presented several creations, including two that play with light, color, form and space. The first is a sofa first published in 2020 called "Mole Eats Worm", made from shapes sculpted in steel, enveloped by interlocking cushions and dressed in mohair. This work was carried out in collaboration with Italian upholsterer Tappezzerie Druetta, inviting magic to join the symbiosis resulting from this skilful artistic blend. This creation is available in several shapes and colors. The second creation is the "Something in the Water" table, which invites you to move closer to the object to discover the details of a play of depth and balance created by painted plastic, which looks strangely like ceramic.
The artist has also been exhibited 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 numerous museums and public collections, including 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.
