The Loewe Foundation announced South Korean artist and ceramicist Jongjin Park as the winner of its annual Craft Prize at a ceremony in the National Gallery in Singapore.

Park, who was selected for his piece Strata of Illusion (2025), receives the silver trophy and a €50,000 prize, while two special mentions go to Baba Tree Master Weavers (Mary Anaba, Charity Aveamah Atuah, Christiana Anaba Akolpoka, Asakiloro Aduko, Mary Ayinbogra, Teni Ayine, Subolo Ayine, and Punka Joe) x Álvaro Catalán de Ocón for Frafra Tapestry, 2024, and to Graziano Visintin for Collier, 2025. Each receives €5,000.

Jongjin Park’s seat-like form explores the tension between control and collapse, constructed as a dense, rectilinear mass formed from thousands of layered sheets of paper coated in coloured porcelain slip.

The jury chose the work for its ability to confound expectations of what ceramics can be, revealing a sculptural presence that is both unexpected and purposeful. Although rooted in porcelain, the work speaks to multiple craft traditions: the use of air to establish form evokes glassblowing, while the layering of paper gestures at bookbinding.

The artist was selected among thirty finalists from 20 countries and regions, working across a wide range of mediums. The jury was composed of leading figures from the worlds of design, architecture, and museum curatorship, including Frida Escobedo and Patricia Urquiola, and Loewe’s creative directors, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.

Previous winners of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize include Japanese sculptor Kunimasa Aoki, who won in 2025, and Mexican ceramic artist Andrés Anza, who was awarded in 2024.

‘It has been a privilege to join the jury of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize,” said McCollough and Hernandez in a press statement. “Craft has been at the heart of Loewe since the House was founded 180 years ago. Across each of the shortlisted works, we encountered an extraordinary sense of commitment, creativity, and innovation. Together, they stand as a powerful testament to the enduring possibilities of making.”

The winning piece and works by all 30 finalists are now on view at the National Gallery Singapore until June 14.

Singapore exhibition
1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
Last admission 6.30 pm.
Free entrance.

Photo: Jongjin Park, winner of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize - Loewe Foundation Craft Prize