LAUFEN spurred experimental exchanges with ceramic symposium gmunden 2018

first formed in 1963, the ceramic symposium gmunden was a six week event that promoted unique creations through the hand craftsmanship of ceramic. artists from europe were joined by those from nigeria, india, isreal, argentina, canada and the USA to establish a temporary laboratory to share knowledge and manufacture.

revived in 2003 and then moved to the LAUFEN manufactory engelhof in 2018, the initiative lives on today in two forms. the first, ‘1963 – 1969 kurt ohnsorg symposia in the laufen werk gmunden’, is an inspiring exhibition celebrating the legendary yet innovative creations from the original six week events. the second sees LAUFEN set up a modern occasion renovating the event.

all images courtesy of LAUFEN

as an artists in residence program, the ceramic symposium gmunden invited creators to spend five weeks within an atmosphere of innovation at LAUFEN. from established artists to emerging talents, all were welcomed in the interest in experimental exchange – similar to the original initiative. the 2018 edition saw creatives join from italy, austria, the UK, france germany and poland.

supported with the materials, aesthetics and knowledge of the swiss brand, wide-ranging and thought-provoking explorations were formed. from mass colorations to glass-fiber creations and even 3D-printing saphirkeramik, the unique creations highlighted the wonders of ceramic craft in not only sculptures but also products.

annette lucks’ basin adds her narrative painting onto soft clay forms with scratches, perforations and deformations

yara lettenbichler’s step into 1 three-legged cephalopods balance dark and light influences on to playful pieces

jonathan keep’s cantor roots sculpture 3D prints LAUFEN’s renowned saphirkeramik 

brigitte pénicaud’s on the way juxtapose paintwork expressing the lightness of summer on bulky vessels

aino nebel’s plate and disc uses saphirkeramik as canvases for her artwork

beate gatschelhofer’s monolog in a series feature 147 velvet-smooth parts that showcase a subtle change in color

helene kirchmaier’s still life in green alienates trivial, existing objects into unique, minimalist creations

hélène louissier’s flying (l’envol) literally explores imagination and what goes on in our heads

enrica casentini’s playground comprises of 10 molded forms that each explore color variations

tomasz niedziolka’s bowls under the table creates a spatial and formal force through thematic elements