Japanese artist Aoki wins Loewe Craft Prize 2025 with sculpture!

Japanese artist Aoki wins Loewe Craft Prize 2025 with sculpture!

A creative highlight has mixed up the internationally renowned art scene: the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2025 has been awarded and the Japanese artist Kunimasa Aoki is the radiant winner. His impressive sculpture "Realm of Living Things 19" was made from layers of terracotta and addresses the area of ​​tension between control and chaos. Aoki's unique technology, which includes layers and compressing sound, fascinated both the audience and the jury. The jury particularly praised the honest expression of the work and the use of the Ancestral coil process, which leads to the detailed "small universes" on the surface of the sculpture caused by the compression of the terracotta coils. The Cut reports that Aoki received the price endowed with 50,000 euros.

In total, more than 4,600 artists from 133 countries took part in this competition, which underlines the high priority of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. From now on, the 30 nominated works will be exhibited in the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid by June 29 and offer all visitors the opportunity to experience contemporary craft in its best form. Interested parties can also admire the works of the finalists online, according to the information from South China Morning Post.

recognition for special achievements

The jury, which consists of prominent experts such as the architect and industrial designer Patricia Urquiola and Olivier Gabet, the director of the Louvre for Decorative Art, not only distinguished Aoki, but also two other artists for their extraordinary contributions. The Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello received a special mention for his sculptural bank, "TM Bench with Bowl", which was created from recycled aluminum. The Indian Studio Sumakshi Singh, which was recognized for its work "Monument", a life -size reinterpretation of a 12th century pillar in Delhi.

The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize was launched in 2016 to promote craft and to appreciate the creative work of artisans. Jonathan Anderson, the then creative director of Loewe, played a crucial role in the foundation of this important prize. The art scene is pleased that the tradition of the works to be designed will continue in the Lakaisen workshop of Loewe, which has existed since 1846. Among the jury members who have evaluated the work in recent years are also well-known personalities such as Wang Shu, Pritzker award winner, and the ceramic Magdalene Odundo.

overall picture and meaning of the price

The vernissage of the exhibition, which is reminiscent of the opening, came together in Madrid on May 29 when Aoki was honored as a winner. The event was not only a celebration of creativity, but also an important meeting of contemporary artisans. As Aoki himself emphasizes, the exhibition reflects the enormous talent and innovation that can be found in the area of ​​the handicrafts worldwide. Information on the exhibition and competition can be found on the official website of the price: Loewe Craft Prize.

With the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, it is once again clear that contemporary craftsmanship is not only an art form, but should also be seen as an important cultural expression that recognizes the connection between tradition and modern design.