shows Archives - David Franklin

Milan Design Week/Salone Del Mobile 2024 With Kohler Co

About Scuola Di Pesci

Made from Vitreous China, Glaze, PVD Coatings, String, Beads

Creatures of water, borne of earth and fire, embody the theme of 2024 Milan Design Week “Materia Natura.” The “Scuola di Pesci” installation represents the importance of forage fish as a cornerstone species for our oceans and freshwater habitats. Like these small fish, we all need clean water. The gleaming fish are jewel-like treasures of the ocean.

My wife Joanne and I made these fish with the help of 44 year Kohler retiree John Bueter, on the 150th anniversary of Kohler Co. This installation was inspired by the environment and strong fishing culture of Lake Michigan, one of America’s Great Lakes, where the Kohler Factory is located.

The installation was made with the same materials and glazes used in Kohler products. The fish are finished in traditional Kohler glazes. Some also have a PVD luster finish, that adds a reflective streak of color to the installation. This streak of color represents both aquatic and human diversity. It also represents the incredible potential of uniting artistry with industry.

Joanne and I were invited to temporarily install this school of fish in Milan for Design Week 2024 by Kohler Co, as part of their brand showcase. It also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the John Michael Kohler arts Center’s Arts/Industry residency program.

It was a dream come true to showcase my work in Italy with so many other incredible talented people from around the world.

This was my third trip to the Kohler Factory to work. This project came about because of a larger project that will soon be unveiled at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

You can learn more about the evolution of this idea here!

David and Joanne Franklin at the Salone Del Mobile 2024, Milan, Italy

The Plant Show 99¢ Plus Gallery — The Plant Show curated by Simran Johnston at the 99¢ Plus Gallery, Brooklyn New York

I think every artist dreams of being in a gallery show in New York City. It’s a total stereotype, and one that I am not ashamed to say that I too have carried around for years. One I have carried around without much hope of realization or much action on my part to make it happen. I just kept working, following my imagination and thinking maybe someday. One day, late last Spring it happened, and I got invited to be in The Plant Show at the 99¢ Plus Gallery in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Simran Johnston curated the show and did a spectacular job. The 99¢ Plus Gallery, in a repurposed discount store, seemed like the perfect place in New York for my work. I started following them on Instagram and was thrilled to see that their previous opening had been shut down by the police. This opportunity was looking better all the time, and I had the perfect piece for the show. It was one of my favorites and was sitting in storage, waiting for just such a chance to be given a new life and purpose. Little did I know what would happen…

With gallery walls all painted green, and an intriguing cast of characters assembled, what Simran designed in the 99¢ Plus Gallery grew beyond what could have been imagined, and became a media sensation.

Congratulations Simi, and thank you for including me in such an awesome group and making dreams come true.