In a stunning display of craftsmanship and artistic vision, Andrés Anza, a Mexican artist born in 1991, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2024 LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize for his captivating work, "I only know what I have seen." The life-size ceramic sculpture, which seamlessly blends figurative and abstract elements, has captivated the distinguished jury, cementing Anza's position as a trailblazer in the world of contemporary craft.
The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize, an annual celebration of excellence, innovation, and artistic merit in modern craftsmanship, has once again showcased the boundless creativity and skill of artisans from across the globe. This year's edition, which received an astounding 3,900 submissions from 124 countries and regions, featured 30 finalists whose works pushed the boundaries of their chosen materials, often repurposing found or recycled elements to create truly transformative pieces.
Anza's winning sculpture is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a piece that transcends time and cultural context. Constructed using thousands of individual ceramic protrusions, the five intricately assembled puzzle pieces form an anthropomorphic figure that is both ancient and futuristic, drawing upon archaeological forms while simultaneously embodying a post-digital aesthetic.
The jury, composed of luminaries from the fields of design, architecture, journalism, criticism, and museum curatorship, commended Anza's work for its arresting presence and its ability to defy easy categorization. Among the esteemed jurors were Magdalene Odundo, Minsuk Cho, Olivier Gabet, and Abraham Thomas, each bringing their unique expertise to the selection process.
In addition to Anza's triumph, the jury awarded three special mentions to Miki Asai (Japan), emmanuel boos (France), and Heechan Kim (Republic of Korea) for their outstanding contributions to the exhibition. Asai's "Still life," a series of sculptural rings adorned with delicate miniature vessels, was praised for its unexpected combination of intricacy and monumentality. boos' "Coffee Table 'Comme un lego'," crafted from 98 hollow porcelain bricks, delighted the jury with its playful construction and hidden fragility. Kim's "#16," a large sculptural vessel, showcased the artist's innovative use of materials and construction methods, creating a new language in contemporary geometry and architectural design.
The 30 finalists' works will be exhibited at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris from May 15 to June 9, 2024, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the extraordinary talent and vision of these artists firsthand. The exhibition will also be available to view online, accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue documenting the featured pieces.
As Jonathan Anderson, LOEWE's Creative Director, aptly stated, "Craft is the essence of LOEWE. As a house, we are about craft in the purest sense of the word. That is where our modernity lies, and it will always be relevant." The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of craftsmanship in today's world, celebrating the artists who continue to push the boundaries of their chosen mediums and set new standards for the future of craft.