Michael Kukla: Cagettes/Brochettes

Project: ARTspace is pleased to present a solo exhibition of works by artist Michael Kukla titled Cagettes/Brochettes. His sculptures, assembled from found materials, transform a functional vernacular into a new poetic form. Kukla explains, “I am interested in transparency and vulnerability within a flexible form. I’ve always been intrigued by what enables matter to take shape.”

At the onset of Covid lockdown in France, Kukla began collecting agricultural crates called cagettes. Destined for the dump, they sit outside of markets and are free for the taking.

Kukla disassembles the crates in the studio. Long strips are cut on a table saw. Geometric shapes are cut from thin plywood and then assembled with wood glue. In addition to using crates, pics à brochettes or wooden skewers serve to lighten the structure further.

Finally, Kukla adds fabric to cover, but not obscure, parts of the open structure. Produce vendors sometimes market themselves with lettering and graphics on the plywood of the crate. Incorporating these printed elements within the sculpture frame adds color and meaning while speaking to its origin. Disposable sacs t.n.t (tissu non tissé or non-woven fabric) found in Moroccan markets are striking for their range of color and translucency. Likewise, the use of pantyhose adds elasticity while remaining translucent. This “skin” conjures solidity while the framework remains visible underneath. An inventive spirit animates these works that fuse a playful geometry with a celebration of the everyday.