The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, an annual competition launched in 2016 celebrating “newness, excellence and artistic merit in modern craftmanship”, has announced Japanese ceramicist Eriko Inazaki as its winner for 2023. Chosen from 30 finalists, Inazaki’s intricate orb-like creation, ‘Metanoia’ (2019), was selected by a distinguished judging panel ranging from renowned potter Magdalene Odundo, author Olivier Gabet to Loewe’s own Jonathan Anderson, who presented Inazaki the award alongside Fran Lebowitz.
Inazaki, who was also awarded the Grand Prize at Japan’s 13th Paramita Ceramic Art Grand Prize in 2018, created her award-winning sculpture by meticulously assembling a variety of crystallised elements. The result was a captivating and porous structure which the judges stated was an impressive take on ceramic ornamentation.
Two special mentions were also announced — Dominique Zinkpè, a Beninese multi-media sculptor and Moe Watanabe, a Tokyo-based artist who focuses on reworking plant-based and natural materials. Zinkpè’s ‘The Watchers’ (2022) was praised by judges for reinterpreting traditional beliefs, using small wooden Ibèji figurines to construct a towering assemblage, nodding to Yoruba beliefs regarding reincarnation. Alternatively, Watanabe’s walnut bark box entitled ‘Transfer Surface’ (2022), which nods to traditional Japanese Ikabana vase making, was chosen because of its fascinating use of materials and references to architectural construction.
Attaining finalist status in itself is no small feat, with the competition receiving over 2,700 submissions from artisans across 117 countries and regions. Founded by creative director Jonathan Anderson, the prize aims to acknowledge the importance of craft in contemporary culture as well as in the ethos of the Spanish house. Discussing its significance, Anderson noted “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 work of Inazaki, Zinkpè, Watanabe and other shortlisted candidates will be exhibited in Isamu Nagochi’s Studio at The Noguchi Museum in New York from May 17 to June 18. The exhibition will be available to view online and in person, as well as being catalogued in a booklet documenting each of the finalists’ pieces. Covering a range of mediums from ceramics, woodwork and textiles, this exhibition is the perfect trip for those ready to wonder at the expertise of craftspeople from all corners of the world.
Top image: The 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize finalists. Photography courtesy of Loewe.
