The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Loewe Foundation’s Craft Prize is set to take place in Seoul, South Korea, as the event returns to in-person celebrations following last year’s digital edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This prestigious award, organized by the renowned Spanish luxury label, aims to honor and showcase the best of contemporary craftsmanship. As artists eagerly await the chance to participate, the call for applications has been announced, urging artisans to submit their entries on the official website before the deadline on October 25, 2021.
Since its inception in 2016, the Craft Prize has been a platform that highlights and celebrates excellence, artistic merit, and originality in the field of contemporary craftsmanship. Loewe’s Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson, introduced the award as a means to pay homage to highly skilled artisans who create objects of exceptional beauty and aesthetic value. The Craft Prize aligns with Loewe’s own origins as a collective artisanal workshop established back in 1864.
In the previous edition of the Craft Prize held in 2021, the top prize was awarded to Chinese artist Fanglu Lin for her outstanding work titled “SHE (2016).” Lin’s piece showcased the weaving heritage of the Bai minority from China’s Yunnan province, impressing the judges with her artistic vision and execution. As a reward for her contribution to contemporary craftsmanship, Lin received a monetary prize of €50,000.
For the upcoming fifth edition, a panel of experts composed of artists, craftsmen, authors, curators, and designers will carefully review the submissions and select a shortlist of 30 artists. The judging criteria will focus on factors such as originality, vision, execution, material excellence, innovation, and individual artistic style. This year, the panel welcomes new members including Peter Bauhuis, Jiyong Lee, Juha Marttila, Kavita Parmar, and Zizipho Poswa, each bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to the judging process.
The works of the 30 shortlisted artists will be proudly exhibited in Seoul, providing an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to witness the finest examples of contemporary craftsmanship. Ultimately, a jury consisting of esteemed individuals such as Magdalene Odundo, Abraham Thomas, and previous Craft Prize winner Fanglu Lin will determine the final recipient of the award in the spring of 2022.
Established in 1988 by Enrique Loewe, a member of the founding family, the Loewe Foundation acts as a private cultural institution dedicated to promoting and advancing craftsmanship as a modern and innovative art form. Through the Craft Prize, the foundation continues to fulfill its mission, with Loewe’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson emphasizing the fusion of tradition and novelty present in craftsmanship, resulting in objects that embody artistic excellence and provoke meaningful artistic conversations.
As the upcoming Craft Prize approaches, Loewe reaffirms its commitment to supporting and celebrating contemporary craftsmanship, while staying rooted in the legacy of its artisanal heritage. This prestigious award not only recognizes the exceptional talents of artisans but also provides a platform for the exchange and appreciation of their unique creations. With its return to in-person celebrations, the Craft Prize in Seoul promises to be a vibrant and exciting celebration of artistic talent, creative innovation, and the enduring power of craftsmanship.
Useful links:
– Loewe Foundation’s Craft Prize Official Website
