Munich, 07 March 2026 – The aim of the show is to promote talented young people from all areas of artistic craftsmanship and to demonstrate the future potential of the craft. An international jury selects the winners of the TALENTEmünchen awards, and a catalogue is published at the same time. For many of the participants, the competition marks the beginning of an artistic and creative career.
The winners:
Julia Gäse, Germany
Julia Gäse opposes the rapid wear and tear accelerated by fashion by looking for ways to reuse materials. This also includes the use of natural dyes to minimize the impact on the environment. The project aims to raise awareness of the sustainable use of resources.
Raz Harari and Shir Israel, Studio Zing, Israel
Raz Harari and Shir Israel from Studio Zing work with paper casting, replacing the usual plaster with paper moulds. This results in unique pieces with unusual, very attractive surfaces. Chance plays a decisive role in this process. The potential for further form finding is great.
Levani Jishkariani, Georgia/Germany
Levani Jishkariani works with materials such as wood, stone and steel in unusual combinations in his jewellery. The forms are bold and powerful, sometimes appearing archaic and reminiscent of totems. The clarity and expressiveness of the works convinced the jury.
Muna Jonkman, Netherlands
In her wall hangings "I am Because You Once Were", Muna Jonkman combines traditional patterns with her own symbolism based on her cultural heritage. She is interested in the connections between different cultures and times. At the same time, she deals with rituals, especially those of women.
Mari Kobayashi, Japan
In her "enfold ring" series, Mari Kobayashi explores a very old and complicated enamel technique. She uses classic shapes with delicate vine ornaments. The value of her work lies not in the stones, but in the highly complex technique.
Leika Su Kutzke, Germany
The inflatable rim protector impressed the jury as an invention and as a principle. It exemplifies the technology of inflatable objects and can be applied to many uses. The approach is suitable for everyday life with its changes.
Katerina Lagoda, Ukraine / Israel
Katerina Lagoda's textile work "Dumka – Between Reality and Dream" is a mixture of installation and fashion design, combined with a political statement. Warmth and envelopment are linked to the idea of protection, compassion and togetherness.
Melea Lüppken, Germany
Melea Lüppken creates vessels in organic forms with perspective effects. They are strongly curved, yet flat at the same time. Form and decoration correspond to each other in their curvy sweep. The effect of the vessels is emphasised by the dynamic line decoration.
In addition, the Michalengelo Foundation has honoured one of the participants in the special exhibition: Kazuki Shibata receives the TALENTEmünchen-Homo-Faber Prize 2026.
The works will be on display at «Handwerk & Design» in Hall B1 at the Munich Exhibition Centre until Sunday, 8 March.
The jury consisted of:
Sara Diaz Rodriguez, Berlin, DE
Prof. Yves Ebnöther, ZHAW – Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Department of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering, CH
Prof. Katharina Jebsen-Plättner, Faculty of Applied Arts Schneeberg, West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, DE
Prof. Chequita Nahar, Academie Beeldende Kunsten Maastricht, NL
Markus Rusch, Landshut Ceramics School, DE
Gisbert Stach, Munich, DE
Prof. Laura Straßer, Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle, DE
Weitere Informationen zur Messe unter www.ihm-handwerk-design.com.
