The Moka pot, a classic coffee brewing appliance invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti and his son Renato, has become an iconic symbol of Italian culinary culture. This aluminum stovetop coffee maker, also known as the Moka Express, continues to be manufactured by Bialetti and has gained popularity worldwide for its ability to produce a rich brew using steam pressure without the need for a filter.
Artist Kenny Harris, based in Venice, California, draws inspiration from the reflective surface of the Moka pot to create a series of stunning still-life oil paintings. Harris explores the interplay of color and form, focusing on the intricate reflections and patterns that are cast on the pot’s surface. The artist skillfully blurs the lines between the object and its surroundings, creating a sense of harmony and depth in his work.
In his own words, Harris describes his work as a celebration of color, lost edges, and texture variation. Drawing inspiration from artists like Joseph Albers and Albert Moore, he experiments with different color combinations to create captivating visual compositions. And of course, his love for coffee shines through in every brushstroke.
Harris’s solo exhibition titled Passage is set to open on September 6 at Galerie Mokum in Amsterdam, with another show planned for early 2026 at Billis Williams Gallery in Los Angeles. To explore more of Harris’s work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.
