The Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1896–1957) is credited with the quote: “If we want everything to stay as it is, then everything must change.” This is, of course, debatable. But if we look at recent history, with all its continual innovations, the urge for change does indeed seem to be part of human nature. Unfortunately, in doing so, we all too often lose sight of what must first be preserved.
Besides the overriding issue of preserving the natural foundations of life, there are many other things that are fundamentally related to traditional craftsmanship: for example, sheet metal cladding on important historical buildings. They are among the visible symbols of our culture, not only in the West, but also in many other cultures. For example, the function and beauty of copper roofs with their charming green patina can only be lastingly preserved if artisans like Wolfgang Huber continue to exist. This master metalworker from Kisslegg in the Allgäu region proves, beyond his demanding métier, that a sophisticated craft can also open one’s eyes to so-called “free art.” Learn more about this exceptional master craftsman and patron of the arts starting in our title story.
The craftsmanship of a tinsmith requires not only extensive specialist knowledge but also the utmost concentration, physical fitness, and a head for heights. Wolfgang Huber at work on the Kisslegger church tower. The old castle in the background. Photo Huber.
Othmar Prenner likewise cultivates a strong relationship between craftsmanship and art. This South Tyrolean first learned the carpentry trade before becoming an academically trained sculptor. Motivated by love for his Vinschgau homeland, he turned his back on the metropolis of Munich and created a place to live and work on an old Alpine farm. Furthermore, the conversion of a World War II bunker into a venue for art and culture became his pet project. How wonderful that Othmar and his friends not only reject the distinction between high art and folk art, but also the alleged difference between art and craftsmanship! Othmar’s story, illustrated exclusively with his own photographs in the new issue.
Bunker 23 in Tartsch, South Tyrol, built between 1938 and 1942 by Benito Mussolini. In 2015, Othmar Prenner and his friends transformed it into a place of art under the title give peace a chance. A special attraction is the built-in caravan. In 2025, the exhibition +/ – Folk can be found here.
Jewelry as an art form and design from authentic workshops are central themes of Art Aurea. It has long been beyond question that jewelry, as one of humanity’s oldest forms of artistic expression, can be both sophisticated art and contemporary design, but seldom is a goldsmith honored with a solo exhibition in a prestigious international art gallery. Dorothea Förster, whose creative thoughts and processes are documented in a 700-page bibliophile volume, provided us with the material for the third main article in our Autumn 2025 issue.
An eyelet is usually just an inconspicuous, functional element. In Dorothea Förster’s jewelry, it serves a variety of minimalist design purposes.
Since 2017, the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize has highlighted the impressive quality that can emerge from the fusion of art and craft. Nearly all of the selected and award-winning works from 2025 prove once more that only that which is constantly and innovatively renewed by individual artists with great dedication and a thorough knowledge of traditional techniques, can be preserved.
Curators’ Choice – Short Portraits Selected by Leading International Curators
Camilla Iliefski. Breathtaking tapestries in the form of textile paintings with sculptural dimen-sions. The works of the Swedish artist invite you to see and touch.
Nicole Prues, Brüssel. Exciting ceramics on the border between abstraction, figuration and a close feeling for nature.
Mark Reddy. The wooden objects by the British artist Mark Reddy breathe the spirit of the place and unfold a unique visual poetry.
Sabine Lintzen. The glass objects by the Dutch artist open up a dialogue between space, color, and movement.
Sabine Lintzen’s series Threads comprises open, bowl-like glass forms covered in a multitude of coloured glass threads.
The jewelry by the Vienna-based artist touches the soul. She skillfully imitates nature in order to protect it.
Review
Art and Craftsmanship. Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2025. Kunimasa Aoki from Japan won the main prize in 2025 and € 50,000. Technical perfection, skill, innovation, and artistic vision were the criteria of the jury.
This year’s finalists for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Artists from Asia are particularly well represented. Participation from Africa is also considerable.
Tiemann Prize 2025 for Marta Herford. With the prize money, the museum will acquire two works from the series Fossil Psychic for Christa by artist Kerstin Brätsch.
The latest issue of Art Aurea has 92 pages including the cover. It is designed and printed like an art book and is available at leading galleries and shops for applied art and jewelry.
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