The Tresor – Contemporary Craft Fair in Basel has set new standards. Photo Tresor
Autumn, the season of important exhibitions in the applied arts and design, began at the end of September with the premiere of “Tresor – Contemporary Craft” in Basel. The organizers are talking about a success in their final report on their website. After sales valued well over 800,000 Swiss francs, cofounder Nadine Vischer sees excellent perspectives for the future. This affirmatively answers the question of whether a new fair for high-quality crafts can successfully establish itself in Central Europe. We are likewise pleased that we were able to contribute toward familiarizing a new audience of collectors with artistic crafts by publishing Tresor’s catalogue in the print edition of Art Aurea.
Our journalistic collaboration with the Grassi Fair in Leipzig celebrates its seventh anniversary. The fair opens on Thursday, October 19, 2017 with the conferral of the Grassi Awards. Founded already 1920 as “Meetingpoint of the Modern”, this is the oldest German museum fair. Its catalogue is published in the current issue of Art Aurea, which is now available. The thematic focal point is “The Future of the Workshop,” which has lost none of its fascination, even in times of digitization.
The ceramic artist Johannes Nagel from the city of Halle works innovatively and is asked by collectors worldwide. Photo Nikolaus Brade
One example of the confluence of craftsmanship and art is described in the report about Johannes Nagel. This ceramist from Halle has grappled with the vessel for the past fifteen years and has proven that this utilitarian and cultural object can indeed be transformed into sought-after artworks.
The Briton Edmund de Waal numbers among the greatest protagonists of ceramic art. Not only is de Waal’s work shown at major art fairs and in art galleries, he is also an impassioned potter and the author of bestsellers such as The Hare with Amber Eyes. Renate Luckner-Bien has bespoken his new book “The White Road”. Even if one is not especially interested in ceramics, one would be well advised to follow the trail of this multitalented genius as he pursues his passion for “the white gold.” At least, this is what our author heartily recommends in the recent issue of Art Aurea.
Head weeds, sorted and bundled. Emmanuel Heringer, the wickerwork designer, is looking for new ways in an ancient craft. Photo Eva Jünger
Emmanuel Heringer first learned carpentry and is now a wickerwork designer. Assisted by his wife Stefanie, he breathes new life into the ancient tradition of basketry. The living and working environment that this couple has created at Schechen, near Rosenheim in Bavaria, is likewise inspiring and authentic. Our photographer Eva Jünger has made fascinating shots of a holistic life for Art Aurea.
Hilde Leiss, gallery owner, jeweler and collector, is an institution for applied art in Hamburg. Photo Simone Scardovelli
The same holds true for the gallerist and goldsmith Hilde Leiss, who has thus far trained forty apprentice goldsmiths and become a veritable institution for the applied arts in Hamburg. The photographer Simone Scardovelli and our author Rüdiger Joppien document the impressive commitment to crafts, art and design. Even if one needn’t harbor fears about the future of workshops, one must also admit that gallerists and intermediaries such as Hilde Leiss have become rare nowadays – and are urgently needed for the future of good workshops.
The recent issue of Art Aurea with the complete catalogue of the Grassi Fair 2017 is available at leading galleries and in bookstores at railway stations.