Japanese artist Aoki wins Loewe Craft Prize 2025 with sculpture!

Japanese artist Aoki wins Loewe Craft Prize 2025 with sculpture!

A creative highlight has shaken up the internationally renowned art scene: The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2025 has been awarded and the Japanese artist Kunimasa Aoki is the shining winner. His impressive sculpture “Realm of Living Things 19” was made from layers of terracotta and addresses the tension between control and chaos. Aoki's unique technique, which involves layering and compressing sound, captivated both the audience and the judges. The jury particularly praised the work's honest expression and the use of the ancestral coil process, which results in the detailed "small universes" on the surface of the sculpture, created by the compression of the terracotta coils. The Cut reports that Aoki received the 50,000 euro prize for his remarkable work.

In total, more than 4,600 artists from 133 countries took part in this competition, which underlines the high status of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. From now on, the 30 nominated works will be exhibited at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid until June 29th, offering all visitors the opportunity to experience contemporary craftsmanship at its best. Those interested can also admire the finalists' works online, according to information from South China Morning Post.

Recognition for special achievements

The jury, made up of prominent professionals such as architect and industrial designer Patricia Urquiola and Olivier Gabet, the Louvre's director of decorative arts, recognized not only Aoki, but also two other artists for their exceptional contributions. Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello received a special mention for his sculptural bench, “TM Bench With Bowl,” created from recycled aluminum. Also impressive was the Indian studio Sumakshi Singh, which was recognized for its work “Monument,” a life-size reinterpretation of a 12th-century column in Delhi.

The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize was launched in 2016 to promote crafts and celebrate the creative work of artisans. Jonathan Anderson, Loewe's creative director at the time, played a crucial role in establishing this important award. The art scene is pleased that the tradition of exhibiting works in Loewe's Lakaisen workshop, which has existed since 1846, is being continued. Among the jury members who have evaluated the works in recent years are well-known personalities such as Wang Shu, Pritzker Prize winner, and the ceramicist Magdalene Odundo.

Overall picture and meaning of the price

The exhibition's vernissage commemorating the opening was held in Madrid on May 29, when Aoki was honored as the winner. The event was not only a celebration of creativity but also a significant gathering of contemporary artisans. As Aoki himself points out, the exhibition reflects the enormous talent and innovation that can be found in the field of crafts worldwide. Information about the exhibition and the competition can be found on the official website of the prize: Loewe Craft Prize.

The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize makes it clear once again that contemporary craft is not just an art form, but should also be seen as a significant cultural expression that honors the connection between tradition and modern design.