Thomas Cooper Studio Joins International Collective MoscaPartners Variations with "FOUR ON THE FLOOR" Exhibition During Milano Design Week 2025
A Collaborative Convergence of Light and Design from Across the Americas
| Los Angeles, CA - March 13, 2025 | Thomas Cooper Studio, the Los Angeles-based lighting and design atelier led by Jason Kai Cooper and Sally Thomas Cooper, announces its participation in Milano Design Week with "FOUR ON THE FLOOR", a collaborative exhibition debuting as part of MoscaPartners Variations April 7-13, at Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta 24, Milano. The inaugural installation brings together four distinct creative voices from across the Americas to reimagine the classic torchière as a canvas for cultural expression and material innovation. A press preview will be held April 6, 2025, from 12pm-7pm.
Curated within the larger context of the prestigious MoscaPartners Variations “Migrations” theme and inspired by the foundational four-on-the-floor rhythm in music, FOUR ON THE FLOOR unites design luminaries from across the Americas—Thomas Cooper Studio (Los Angeles, USA), Ann Weber (Los Angeles, USA), Thierry Jeannot (France/Mexico City), and Angela Damman (USA/Yucatan, Mexico)—each contributing their unique “beat” to a harmonious convergence of light and form.
"The true dialogue of design resides in the space between the tangible and the transcendent. “FOUR ON THE FLOOR” actualizes this, transforming functional light into sculptural works that inspire contemplation. Our goal through this exhibition is to foster a new landscape of perspective," says Jason Kai Cooper, Co-founder of Thomas Cooper Studio.
The exhibition explores the torchière, a classic form of lighting, as each artist’s “instrument,” which becomes a shared canvas for examining the interplay of materiality, illumination, and cultural expression. This shared format provides a common thread throughout the collective, inviting viewers to appreciate individual artistry while recognizing the underlying connection between the works.
"We are thrilled to contribute to the innovative dialogue at MoscaPartners Variations," says Sally Thomas Cooper, Co-founder of Thomas Cooper Studio. "'Cloud Atlas' represents a culmination of our studio's exploration of sculptural lighting, and we anticipate its unique aesthetic will spark meaningful engagement with the discerning Milano Design Week audience."
Featured within FOUR ON THE FLOOR are:
“Cloud Atlas” by Thomas Cooper Studio: A celestial harmony unfolds through the union of a hand-blown opalino glass nebula gracefully suspended atop a column of rich Moroccan Lapis Lazuli. Below, Italian Bianco Lasa Marble cloud formations are delicately outlined with an inlaid tracery of solid brass. Designed and fabricated in Los Angeles. Torchiere | 18"W x 18"D x 76 1/2"OAH | Limited edition of 12.
“From the Underworld” by Angela Damman: Cascades of 100% organic natural sansevieiria fiber – hand tied with 1,000 knots to the dark iron inner armature - create an otherworldly texture and glow. Damman’s work is inspired by the beauty of native plant fibers and the ancient myths and traditions of the Maya. This one-of-a-kind piece is designed and produced at her studio, a historic hacienda in Yucatan, and made from plants she cultivates herself in collaboration with local village artisans. 70”H x 11”W x 4”D
“Koan” by Ann Weber: The intriguing "Koan" sculpture showcases Ann Weber's unique ability to transform repurposed materials. Its cone-like shape, hinted at in the title, evokes the organic forms of the natural world. Drawing further inspiration from Zen Buddhism, the title also references a koan—a parable open to diverse interpretations, much like Weber's own complex and layered sculptures. 72" H x 17.5" W x 17.5" D
“Pináculo” by Thierry Jeannot: a stunning floor lamp inspired by Mexico city's colonial architecture and nature. Designer Thierry Jeannot pays tribute to traditional metalwork, combining brass, bronze and patina. The shade, crafted from oiled parchment made from goat skins, adds warmth and texture. This unique piece blends heritage and modernity, evoking the beauty and excellence of Mexican craftsmanship. 65” H x 18” W x 18.5” D
FOUR ON THE FLOOR redefines the traditional exhibition format, serving as a vibrant celebration of design. The ongoing project is a dedicated platform to showcasing diverse talents, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and influences that push the boundaries of lighting design. Each artist brings a unique cultural heritage and lived experience from across the Americas, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of styles. Future iterations of FOUR ON THE FLOOR are envisioned to travel globally, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
This exhibition’s collaborative spirit – this shared rhythm of design – promises to resonate far beyond the walls of the exhibition, leaving a lasting impact.
About MoscaPartners Variations
MoscaPartners Variations is the exhibition organized by MoscaPartners, founded by Caterina Mosca and Valerio Castelli in 2011, which returns to Palazzo Litta during Milano Design Week 2025. This year’s theme, Migrations, explores design as a catalyst for cultural exchange and creative innovation. Bringing together international architects, designers and artists, the exhibition transcends geographical boundaries, fostering dialogue between diverse perspectives. By showcasing new approaches to contemporary design, it transforms the historic venue into a dynamic space for experimentation and discovery. Through research-driven projects and site-specific installations, MoscaPartners continues its commitment to promoting visionary talents and new creative languages. A new vision will also be brought to the Main Courtyard: MoscaPartners has entrusted the Korean architect Byoung Soo Cho – in his first site-specific installation in Italy – with the installation Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk within the space. This edition of MoscaPartners Variations reaffirms design as a powerful medium for connection, transformation and future-oriented thinking.
About Thomas Cooper Studio
Creative partners Sally Thomas Cooper and Jason Kai Cooper, long known for fresh, modern lighting for home and hospitality through their ventures Luxe and Lusive, founded Thomas Cooper Studio to explore the material and sculptural essence of lighting.
The Thomas Cooper Studio collection represents a multilayered, multifaceted collaboration between Jason and Sally. Materials and techniques join forces in a search for the inner poetry of each piece: heat-formed, mouth-blown, flash-cracked glass; carved marble, alabaster, and natural stone; cast and hand-patinaed bronze; hand-polished, leaded crystal. At the same time, a study of sculptural expression creates a balance between shine and shade, density and delicacy, form and function.
Sally Thomas Cooper studied art history, music, and design in her native New Zealand and has worked as an interior designer, production designer, and marketing director for interior products. Jason Kai Cooper studied scenic and lighting design and has worked as a lighting, theatrical, and product designer. The couple have worked together since 1999 and hold Thomas Cooper Studio as the culmination of their shared design passions.
Models in the collection are individually hand-crafted by the skilled artisans in-studio. Custom versions tailored to a specific setting are available by commission.