Michael Kukla
Cagettes/Brochettes
Open to the public:
Friday, September 25, 2026 - Friday, December 4, 2026
Opening reception:
Thursday, September 24, 6-8pm
Open hours:
Monday - Friday, 11am - 5pm
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.
Artist Bio
Michael Kukla is a sculptor living in the US and France. Born in Prague, Czech Republic, he studied sculpture at Vermont State University and at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin, Germany. Kukla constructs abstract, biologically inspired structural frameworks. He repurposes materials destined for the landfill or the wood stove, imbuing them with a new function. In the past, he has sourced discarded materials such as foam insulation board from construction site dumpsters. Lately, “up-cycled” materials such as crate wood and disposable shopping bags are being used. He has been exhibiting his work internationally for over thirty years. His work was featured in solo shows at Smack Mellon, Brooklyn, NY; DM Contemporary, NY, NY; Dedee Shattuck Gallery, Westport, MA; Kentler International Drawing Space, Brooklyn, NY. Most recently, he has exhibited at Espace Broncy, Port-la-Nouvelle, France; Galeria Cadaques Dos, Cadaqués, Spain, and Logoi Institut, Aachen, Germany. His work has been featured at ART Montpellier with Galerie Latuvu, Bages, France. Kukla’s works are held in numerous museum and private collections in the United States and abroad. In 2018, he curated 'Transitions' at Project ArtSpace, a group show that brought together 8 artists from France and 8 artists from NYC. mkukla.com
Founded in 2011, Project: ARTspace is an interdisciplinary creative project space. Our organization programs events and exhibition where curators and artists of all levels have the chance to meet, engage and promote new collaborative projects.
projectartspace.com @project.artspace
high resolution images available upon request
CONTACT: Leslie Kerby or Michelle Weinberg
projectartspacenyc@gmail.com
212-271-0664
Agri Geo #4, 2026, wood and glue,
7.5 x 3.5 x 3 inches
Wall Geo #3, 2026, wood, fabric and glue,
21 x 21 x 5 inches
Agri Geo #1, 2026, wood and glue,
10 x 4.5 x 2 inches