LOEWE announced that the winner of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2026 is Jongjin Park, who was awarded the prize for his work “Strata of Illusion.”

Jongjin Park is a ceramic artist from Korea and assistant professor at Seoul Women’s University, Seoul. He holds an MA in Ceramics from Cardiff Metropolitan University, and an MFA, BFA, and PhD in Ceramics from Kookmin University, Seoul. He has participated in numerous international exhibitions. His award-winning work, “Strata of Illusion,” presented for the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2026, explores the tension between control and collapse through a seat-like sculptural form. Constructed from thousands of layered sheets of paper coated in colored porcelain slip, the dense rectilinear structure undergoes an impressive transformation during firing. In the kiln, the paper burns away while heat and gravity cause the form to slump and distort, shaping the final work. Although rooted in porcelain, the piece evokes multiple craft traditions, including glassblowing and bookbinding, resisting a singular material interpretation. The jury praised Jongjin Park’s work feels both unexpected and purposeful. They were also captivated by the poetic process of the paper disappearing during firing, as well as the honest imperfection revealed in the collapsed form.

Two special mentions were also announced. Baba Tree Master Weavers – comprising Mary Anaba, Charity Aveamah Atuah, Christiana Anaba Akolpoka, Asakiloro Aduko, Mary Ayinbogra, Teni Ayine, Subolo Ayine and Punka Joe – collaboration with Spanish artist Álvaro Catalán de Ocón for their work “Frafra Tapestry.” The large-scale communally woven tapestry is based on aerial photography of a traditional village in Ghana’s Gurunsi region. Created using traditional basketry techniques with natural and dyed elephant grass, the work combines contemporary technology with ancestral weaving knowledge. The jury praised the collaboration for its thoughtful integration of modern and traditional practices, and for its effort to preserve the collective memory of an architectural heritage and way of life that is increasingly under threat.

Italian artist Graziano Visintin also received a special mention for his work “Collier.” The work consists of two necklaces composed of tiny cube-like elements constructed from thin sheets of gold and decorated using niello, an ancient metalworking technique. The jury praised his highly skilled and unconventional use of niello to create a contemporary piece of jewelry, and admired the painterly way in which he applied the niello to the gold. They described the necklaces as creating the impression of endless miniature paintings elegantly linked together.

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2026 selected 30 finalists from more than 5,100 submissions by artists representing 133 countries and regions. The winner and special mentions were chosen by a distinguished jury comprising leading figures from the fields of design, architecture, criticism, and museum curatorship. The winner of the prize received an award 50,000 Euros, while each of the two special mentions received 5,000 Euros. All 30 shortlisted works are on view at National Gallery Singapore from May 13 to June 14, 2026. The exhibition can also be viewed online through the official exhibition platform.

◾️General information
LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2026
Exhibition dates: May 13 – June 14, 2026
Venue: National Gallery Singapore (1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957)
Website: https://craftprize.loewe.com/en/craftprize2026