The Nero Chronicles: Of Poules de Luxe and Painted Plates

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Of Poules de Luxe and Painted Plates

"They all have a place and a position, and if you miscast them,
they can be very cross." Konstantin Kakanias

Think the world is going to the chickens, fair Nerophytes? Well it is. But beyond all the cackling, the molting and the squawking exists an entirely more civilized pecking order, and to be honest, one of the cutest, most whimsical configurations Nero has come across in quite some time.
Greek artist, cartoonist and ceramist Konstantin Kakanias has caricatured a new breed of old aristocratic funny fowl, hand-painted feathers, foibles and all, on beautifully crafted one-off ceramic plates. In this weekend's WSJ magazine, David Netto tosses the corn kernels on how Konstantin's witty work with clay has come to rule the roost. Based in L.A., the artist decamps part of the year to the Greek isle of Paros, in a self-imposed exile, to create his oeuf oeuvre.
Coveted and collected in dozens of pairs by the likes of Christian Louboutin and designer Peter Dunham, Kakanias claims the pieces won't be available in stores (insert communal sigh here). Leave it to this Greek to simultaneously raise our spirits one minute then let them come crashing down in a loud and magnificent cry of "Opa!"
But don't let this news quelch your kefi just yet, fair readers. For though Kakanias' dinnerware, while perfect for eating off of, is meant to be art for art's sake, I have a feeling this won't be the last we'll see of this quirky coop. Ready to get thrown and baked? Then adjust your cock's comb coiff and head-bob this way.

Labels: images via WSJ magazine

2 comments:

helen tilston said...: Beautiful artwork. Whimsy yet proper. Konstantin Kakaniasis a true master! Thank you for the introduction
Helen; October 29, 2011 at 8:46 PM
The enchanted home said...: Those are fun, love seeing someone who is truly passionate for their craft and does it not for the money or recognition but because it completes them. Bravo to anyone following their dream!; October 30, 2011 at 7:05 AM