The Loewe Craft Prize exhibition opened at Singapore's National Gallery, marking its Southeast Asian debut with 30 finalists from 19 countries selected from over 5,100 submissions globally. Sheila Loewe, president of the Loewe Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the craft community's vibrancy.
New Jury and Vibrancy
Following Jonathan Anderson's exit, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez joined as co-creative directors and jury members, invigorating the prize with new energy. Hernandez remarked on the inspiration drawn from the meticulous craftsmanship displayed. Sheila Loewe noted the added vibrancy, highlighting the duo's passion for craft.
Jongjin Park's Winning Piece
This year's prize went to Jongjin Park for 'Strata of Illusion', a pastel-toned porcelain and paper structure. Abraham Thomas of the Metropolitan Museum of Art praised the piece's duality. Park's unexpected kiln result captivated the jury, cementing his win.
Special Mentions and Cultural Themes
Special mentions were awarded to Graziano Visintin for his delicate gold cube necklaces, and a Frafra community tapestry by Baba Tree Master Weavers and Álvaro Catalán de Ocón. The shortlist featured diverse themes, including heritage and media combinations, like Nan Wei's lacquer sculpture and Nobuyuki Tanaka's 'kanshitsu' lacquer form.
Global Craft Representation
Artists like Liam Fleming and Maria Koshenkova explored glass's potential, while Jobe Burns transformed steel into art. The prize's evolution mirrors a broader acceptance of contemporary art influences in craft, as noted by Deyan Sudjic. The exhibition runs until June 14, 2026, showcasing how craft connects us in a digital world.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/loewe-prize-winner-2026-jongjin-park
