The Grassimesse Leipzig, which takes place annually in October, is one of the leading international public fairs of its kind in Europe. From October 25 to 27, 2024, around 140 exhibitors from 13 countries will present handmade unique pieces and small series in the fields of jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, textiles, fashion and paper.
This year, the focus is particularly on works from Italy and the Netherlands, but contributions from China, Korea and the USA also enrich the fair. There is a special focus on jewelry and ceramics. Thanks to the smow design prize, which was only launched in 2023, the number of submissions in the field of interior design has increased, with many young talents presenting their works for the first time. The exhibition boths are spread throughout the GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts. Exhibitors can be found in the foyers, the Art Deco Pfeilerhalle and in the permanent exhibition Antiquity to Historicism. This unique combination of historical and contemporary art creates exciting dialogues between tradition and modernity.
Some of the exhibitors at the Grassimesse show their work in the permanent exhibition Antiquity to Historicism. Above, works by the ceramist Lutz Könecke, Großenrode, last year.
Also on display in the permanent exhibition during the Grassimesse are the works of Elke Sada from Leipzig.
The Grassimesse is a meeting place for creatives, gallery owners, collectors and friends of applied art from all over Europe. It invites you to look, buy and inform and shows the latest from all areas of sophisticated arts and crafts and design. About a third of the exhibitors are newcomers. During the fair, six GRASSI prizes worth a total of €14,000 will be awarded. The awards recognize outstanding artistic achievements in various disciplines. As always, several special projects are taking place.
The Art of Upcycling
This exhibition – which begins on October 16 and runs until the end of the fair on October 27, 2024 – presents contemporary works from Hong Kong. They shed light on the topics of waste recycling and urban development in one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world. Curated by Anna Grasskamp and supported by the University of Oslo, the show offers exciting insights into the artistic examination of resource scarcity.
Strum – Ukrainian Arts, Crafts and Design
Strum means electricity in the Ukrainian language. Ukrainian artists present objects made of ceramics, glass, jewelry and paper that speak of the source of Ukrainian energy and vitality. In doing so, the designers reflect on and reinterpret the traditions and national heritage of their country.
Rosemarie Jäger Gallery
Since 1989, the German gallery has been showing both classic positions and innovative concepts in contemporary applied art. In doing so, Rosemarie Jäger is always committed to quality and authenticity. Her annual exhibitions create connections between different trades or are dedicated to the comprehensive presentation of established masters and young talents. Interpersonal encounters are just as important as the examination of the works.
University projects
As usual, the trade fair at the Grassimuseum offers various universities a platform to present their semester projects. In 2024, these are:
– Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle, Textile Design (Prof. Bettina Göttke-Krogmann)
– University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim (Professor Melanie Isverding)
– University of Applied Sciences Wismar / Faculty of Design (Professor Stephan Schulz)
– Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau / Angewandte Kunst Schneeberg (Professor Jacob Strobel)
– The Glasgow School of Art / Glasgow G3 6RQ| Silvia Weidenbach (Lecturer Silversmithing & Jewellery)
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GRASSI Museum für Angewandte Kunst
Johannisplatz 5-11
D-04103 Leipzig - Link