ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

David Kracov

It’s pop art with a pulse—vivid, playful, and cut with precision and soul.

David Kracov (born 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts) is an American artist known for his vibrant metal wall sculptures, whimsical Looney Tunes shadow boxes, and a distinctive style that blends animation, sculpture, and fine art. His career spans painting, animation, and sculpting, with a focus on colorful, emotionally resonant pieces often featuring recurring motifs like butterflies-symbols of hope and remembrance.

Kracov began his artistic journey early, becoming one of the youngest artists ever exhibited at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts at age 12. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, he moved to Los Angeles and worked as an animator on feature films including Cool World, The Swan Princess, and A Troll in Central Park, collaborating with Disney, Don Bluth, and other major studios.

While working in animation, Kracov began sculpting characters in clay, which led to commissions from Warner Bros. and Disney to create limited-edition character sculptures and chess sets. His Warner Bros. "Looney Trails" chess set sold out within two days, launching a new phase of his career as a licensed sculptor for both studios.

Inspired by Israeli artist David Gerstein, Kracov transitioned to metal sculpture, hand-cutting vibrant works from single sheets of steel. His signature butterfly, inspired by Pavel Friedmann's Holocaust-era poem The Butterfly, appears in nearly all his pieces as a subtle tribute to resilience and memory. Notable commissions include Open Happiness for Coca-Cola's 125th anniversary, now displayed at both the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta and the company's French headquarters.

Today, Kracov's works are featured in galleries and private collections around the world, including those of Steven Spielberg, Matt Damon, and Michael Douglas. His sculptures can also be seen in luxury hotels such as Paris's Plaza Athénée, affirming his status as a leading figure in contemporary pop and metal.