Japanese Sculptor Kunimasa Aoki Wins 2025 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize

by

Summary

  • The 2025 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize has been awarded to Japanese sculptor Kunimasa Aoki for his terracotta work “Realm of Living Things 19,” which embodies the raw beauty and stillness of earth through ancestral and innovative techniques.
  • In addition to the winning title, Aoki was awarded €50,000 EUR prize and have his work displayed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid as a part of the annual Craft Prize exhibition, alongside the other 29 finalists.

From its establishment in 2016, the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize has been shining a light on exceptional artisanal talent from across the world. Initiated by Jonathan Anderson, this prize was created to reinforce Loewe’s passionate commitment towards craftsmanship. It honors artists and makers who embody both traditional techniques and modern innovation in their work.

2021 signifies a significant shift for the prize, being the inaugural event after Anderson’s departure. Designers Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler are now at the helm, guiding the brand towards its upcoming phase. On Thursday evening, at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, Pedro Almodóvar, a renowned filmmaker, bestowed this year’s highest accolade.

Japanese sculptor Kunimasa Aoki wins the €50,000 EUR prize for his terracotta work “Realm of Living Things 19.” This piece was selected from over 4,600 entries worldwide, impressing the jury with its authentic use of traditional techniques and raw, natural aesthetic. The jurors commended the artwork for its genuine representation of the ancient coil method and its organic, incomplete charm.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LOEWE (@loewe)

In this display of groundbreaking construction methods, Loewe stated that gravity, time, and pressure are utilized to push clay to the very bounds of its material capabilities. Aoki’s award-winning sculpture, created using his signature medium, is constructed from carefully layered clay, which is later adorned with a living-like appearance through soil, glue, and pencil markings, giving an impression of movement even within the tranquility of the earth.

Originating from Kawaguchi, Japan, Aoki acquired his sculpture skills at Musashino Art University in Tokyo. Subsequently, he pursued a postgraduate degree in art and design. Before this year’s contest, he had already been awarded the Gold Prize at the 9th Sculpture Competition held by the Japan Art Center in Kobe.

Distinct honors were bestowed upon Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello for “TM Bench with Bowl,” and “Monument” by Studio Sumakshi Singh (an Indian collective). The entire collection of 30 shortlisted pieces, such as “Realm of Living Things 19,” are currently being displayed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, running until June 29, as part of the Craft Prize exhibition.

Head to the Foundation’s website to learn more about this year’s works.

Read More

2025-05-30 23:26