Kunimasa Aoki Wins 2025 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize for Terracotta Sculpture

Kunimasa Aoki, a Japanese artist, has been honored with the 2025 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, earning EUR 50,000 for his terracotta sculpture, Realm of Living Things 19 (2024), in slate gray. The foundation, located in Madrid, announced Aoki as the winner on May 29, chosen from a pool of 30 finalists by a global jury composed of experts in design, architecture, and curation. His award-winning piece features layers of clay shaped into an anamorphic form, illustrating the material's evolution over time and gravity. The jury commended the work for its authentic representation of the ancestral coil technique and noted the firing process's inherent risks as a sign of the artist's determination. Additionally, special mentions were given to Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello and Indian artist Sumakshi Singh. The works of all finalists are on display at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid until June 29. This prize, now in its eighth edition, celebrates innovative achievements in various contemporary craft fields, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork.