Jongjin Park Wins Loewe Foundation Craft Prize for "Strata of Illusion"
In a significant announcement from Singapore, Jongjin Park was recently honored with the prestigious Loewe Foundation's 2026 Craft Prize. His winning artwork, titled 'Strata of Illusion,' impressed a distinguished panel of judges, comprising luminaries from the fields of design, architecture, art criticism, and museum curation, including renowned figures such as Frida Escobedo and Patricia Urquiola, alongside Loewe's creative directors, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. This recognition highlights Park's innovative spirit and mastery of his craft.
Park's 'Strata of Illusion' is a remarkable ceramic sculpture that challenges traditional perceptions of the medium. The piece is constructed from thousands of intricately layered paper sheets, each coated with colored porcelain slip, then meticulously arranged into a rectilinear form. The intense heat of the kiln subsequently transforms this structure into a chair-like shape, creating a dynamic interplay between order and chaos, stability and malleability. The jury praised Park's work for its ability to redefine ceramic art, noting its sculptural presence that seamlessly integrates elements reminiscent of glassblowing and bookbinding, thereby showcasing a rich dialogue across different craft traditions.
Beyond the top honor, the jury also recognized two additional artists for their exceptional contributions. The Ghanaian collective Baba Tree Master Weavers, in collaboration with Spanish artist Álvaro Catalán de Ocón, received a special mention for their grand-scale, cooperatively woven tapestry, 'Frafra Tapestry.' Italian artist Graziano Visintin was also acknowledged for his 2025 work, 'Collier,' a pair of exquisite necklaces crafted from delicate gold cubes and adorned with the ancient niello metalworking technique. These awards underscore the Loewe Foundation's commitment to celebrating diverse artistic expressions and the enduring potential of craftsmanship. The Loewe Foundation established this award in 2016 to champion innovation and artistic merit in contemporary craft, reflecting the brand's own deep heritage in artisanal practices that spans nearly two centuries. The works of all 30 finalists will be displayed at the National Gallery Singapore, offering a compelling showcase of modern craft's boundless possibilities.
The pursuit of artistic excellence and innovative craftsmanship enriches our cultural landscape, pushing the boundaries of creativity and inspiring a deeper appreciation for human ingenuity. Through such initiatives, traditional crafts are revitalized, inviting new interpretations and fostering a vibrant future for artists worldwide.
