eriko inazaki's intricate ceramic wins LOEWE foundation craft prize

loewe foundation announces 2023 craft prize winner

The LOEWE Foundation has announced the winner and special mentions for the sixth edition of its Craft Prize during NYCxDESIGN. Since 2016, the award has celebrated innovation within modern craftsmanship, recognizing the profound impact of artisans on contemporary culture. The Isamu Noguchi Studio at the Noguchi Museum in New York served as the venue for the Craft Prize exhibition which opened on May 17th, and will run until June 18th, 2023.

The recipient of this year’s prize is Eriko Inazaki, a talented Japanese artist who presented an intricate ceramic work created in 2019 titled ‘Metanoia.’ The sculpture, which took over a year to create, takes shape as an accumulation of small forms that merge to create a crystallized surface. The delicate, botanical clusters are carefully crafted through the meticulous process of manually shaping the clay by pinching. The result is a breathtaking interpretation of ceramic ornamentation that pushes the boundaries of the medium.

Eriko Inazaki, ‘Metanoia’ 2019 | image © LOEWE Foundation

honorable mentions

The LOEWE Foundation also recognizes the exceptional works displayed alongside Eriko Inazaki, the winning recipient of its Craft Prize. Dominique Zinkpè, from Benin, received a special mention for his work ‘The Watchers’ (2022). This mural sculpture, assembled from individual pieces of wood and incorporating small Ibéji statuettes — sacred figures of Yoruba culture. The work explores traditional Yoruba beliefs associated with multiple births, or twins.

Moe Watanabe, a Japanese artist, was also recognized for her work ‘Transfer Surface’ (2022), a walnut bark box which pays homage to the seasonal cycles and the ancient Japanese tradition of Ikebana vase production. Watanabe’s innovative use of rivets, reminiscent of architectural construction and the art of mending, further elevates her careful work.

exhibition view at the Noguchi Museum | image © LOEWE

This year’s jury of the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize saw over 2,700 submissions representing 117 countries, ultimately selecting thirty finalists — these artists originate from sixteen different countries and together exemplify the diverse and global nature of contemporary craftsmanship. The selected artworks take shape through meticulous and meditative techniques, embrace unexpected forms and textures, and infuse a playful and surprising element into the creative process.

Looking ahead, LOEWE Foundation is already preparing for the seventh edition of its Craft Prize, scheduled to open for submissions in June 2023 with a venue to be announced in 2024. Aspiring artists from around the world will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative practices and unique artistic concepts, further enriching the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary craftsmanship.

exhibition view at the Noguchi Museum | image © LOEWE