Jonathan Anderson Brings the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize to Paris for Its Most Playful Outing Yet

The prestigious Loewe Foundation Craft Prize made its much-anticipated return to Paris with a flourish of creativity and humor. Held in a cavernous industrial space at Palais de Tokyo, this year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. The winner announcement, led by none other than the charismatic Aubrey Plaza, marked a delightful departure from the norm.

The Star-Studded Announcement

Stepping onto the podium in her characteristic style—a breezy abstract floral blouse paired with swishy charcoal gray pants—Plaza brought an infectious humor to the ceremony. Her introduction of the €50,000 award recipient set the tone for an evening that was both prestigious and playfully engaging.

A Tribute to Creativity: Andrés Anza

Andrés Anza, a Mexican ceramicist, emerged as this year’s winner with his captivating piece titled “I only know what I have seen.” The jury lauded the work for its arresting presence and seamless blend of ancient archeological forms with a post-digital aesthetic.

“The totemic ceramic sculpture has an almost human presence, combining ancient forms with a post-digital edge,” Plaza read from the jury’s statement.

Adding her own charm, Plaza remarked on the whimsical nature of Anza’s work: “I think there’s someone hiding inside and looking at me.” This blend of humor and artistry encapsulated the spirit of the night.

A Fusion of Forms

The exhibition showcased a fascinating marriage of diverse elements, with each piece challenging conventional boundaries. Andrés Anza’s work exemplified this, combining plantlike and animalistic forms into one cohesive piece—a testament to modern craftsmanship’s evolving narrative.

Special Mentions: Celebrating Artistic Innovation

• Miki Asai: Japanese maker recognized for her exquisite miniature vases crafted from hand-applied splinters of eggshell and seashell.
• Emmanuel Boos: French designer lauded for his innovative coffee table design, reminiscent of stackable Lego bricks.
• Heechan Kim: Korean artist celebrated for a cloud-like sculpture of ash wood stitched with copper wire—soft yet filled with a hidden intricacy of glittering spikes.

This year’s Craft Prize also expanded its special mentions to three, highlighting the breadth and quality of submissions. The decision underscored the growing interest in contemporary craft across various media.

The Craft Conundrum: Dialogues on Artistry

Jonathan Anderson reflected on the significance of these dialogues around craftsmanship, emphasizing the necessity of viewing art from multiple perspectives. With nearly 4,000 applications this year, the prize illustrates an expanding appreciation for craft in modern culture.

The Influence of Technology on Craft

Anderson posits that technology plays a crucial role in the evolution of craftsmanship. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have rekindled public interest in the process of creation, allowing audiences to engage with artisans and understand the inherent value of handmade works.

“Technology, paradoxically, helps us reconnect with traditional making processes,” Anderson noted.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition featured 30 artisans selected by a discerning committee. Guests were treated to a curated journey through the galleries, where each piece was thoughtfully placed in dialogue.

Standout Artistic Collaborations and Innovations

• Jeremy Frey & Polly Adams Sutton: The display of their baskets highlighted how diverse cultural backgrounds can create harmonious dialogues through artistry.
• Patrick Bongoy: His piece, a wall tapestry crafted from recycled materials, embodied elegance and innovation.
• Ange Dakouo: The “Harmony of Grisgris” patchwork resonated deeply with personal history and cultural symbolism.

Conclusion: A New Era for Craft

This year’s Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exemplified how craft is evolving to embrace modern themes, technology, and diverse forms. With Jonathan Anderson at the helm, it continues to redefine boundaries, blending tradition with innovation in a celebration of artistic creativity.