CANCELED / Talente Competition 2021

This year we received in spite of the difficult situation more than 500 applications from over 50 countries and it was a very difficult task to come to a decision and a selection.

In 2021, “Talente” will present works by 102 young craftsmen, artists, and designers from 31 countries in 13 different material groups. This year there will also be works by participants from Argentina, China, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Taiwan, and Ukraine. “Talente” will show innovative, imaginative, extraordinary, and very different works, especially in the areas of glass, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. The many applications in the field of textiles reflect the huge interest in textiles and fashion, which in recent years has also shown itself in exhibitions, discussions, and studies, particularly concerning the aspect of sustainability and alternative materials.


>> Download the list of selected artists in Talente Competition 2021.


Accordingly, “Talente” will also be presenting a large number of works this year that deal with material investigations and research. This involves reusing existing and processed materials such as leather, textiles, industrial and plastic waste. At the same time, it is about the development of new packaging materials that are biodegradable in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste.
 
In the fields of ceramics and glass, there is a striking mixture of works that try to find new approaches based on existing traditions and those that strive to go their own way and achieve a new effect with the material. For example, “Talente 2021” presents traditional Korean moon vases, which are now made from clay that has been given a new consistency and surface effect using local waste and fruit residues.
 
Among the presented glassworks are sculptural works that allow the material to come into its own, be it by superimposing thin surfaces of different colours or by working with atmospheric, transitory impressions that suggest water and ice through the formation of bubbles and the opposition of opaque and transparent, calmly and dynamic areas. In addition, there are vase objects that achieve a high level of mastery-based on traditional techniques and modern form language, or projects in which glass is blown into woven basket shapes, which help determine shape and surface.
 
A correspondingly broad spectrum can be found in ceramics. Here, too, everyday objects based on traditional patterns are presented alongside sculptural, monumental-looking works of classic design. Furthermore, there are three-dimensional works with strong, dynamic relief, in which various materials can also be incorporated and which address the subject of transience and transformation. Other objects deal with architectural associations, political-biographical reflections or present very differently conceived animal sculptures.
 
The attempt to combine tradition and modernity can also be found in the area of ​​furniture. In addition to elaborate desks with drawer compartments or sculptural furniture, there are modern stools that combine leather and steel, with a commitment to colour, or furniture that is created using lashing straps.
 
In the field of wood, the breadth ranges from tiny wooden insects, whose decay is indicated in test series, to beach and forest huts. In the field of metal, the works range from classic everyday objects of balanced proportions and elegance to organic shapes and objects with interesting and unusual surfaces.
 
The textile sector is defined by works that deal with aspects of sustainability and multiple uses, protection, and security: warm stoles that are inspired by the structures of leaves, thick sweaters, and headgear, children's hats in the shape of animals, soft blankets, cozy hanging seats, imaginative face masks that are supposed to protect against air pollution. In addition, there are fashion designs in which the basic shapes are changed by embroidery or items of clothing that are cut out of printed fabric strips and are sewn together.
 
The pandemic is a topic that is reflected both in considerations about the design of face masks as well as in reflections on the vulnerability and fragility of the body, which are implemented in motifs and textile structure.
 
This year, a major theme of the fashion exhibits are knitted garments with elaborate, complicated, shaping patterns. The technology is consciously exploited for the contrast of dense areas and loose, transparent areas.
 
Once again, a particularly large number of applications were received in the field of jewellery. An exciting selection has been made that includes many different positions and a range of materials. Recycled plastics, found objects, wood, silicone, glass beads of various shapes, quartz, various stones, and metals are used, which are elaborately processed with the aim for attractive surface effects and forms of often poetic character. The focus is on a precise perception of material qualities and the beauty of the seemingly irrelevant and worthless.
 
All in all, an interesting and diverse selection has emerged that shows how young artists, craftsmen, and designers are dealing with contemporary, topical issues. The aim is to reflect on various contents, to design functional, aesthetically convincing objects, to update traditions, and to strive for more sustainability and the considered use of materials.

The focus of the competition is on work that shines through its formal and technical originality and technical perfection and is ahead of its time. The competition is being organised by the Munich and Upper Bavarian Chamber of Skilled Trades and jointly sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy and the Bavarian State Ministry for Economics and Media, Energy and Technology. „Talente“ takes place every year as a special exhibition during the Munich International Skilled Trades Fair in March.

A catalogue will be published for the special exhibition: Each artist will be presented with a colour photograph.


Prizes and Awards:
Talente-Prize

• Eight contributions will be awarded the TALENTE-Prize.
• Works will be acknowledged at the TALENTE-Catalogue of the following year (including photography and text).
• Distinguished exhibitors receive a certificate.

Bavarian States Prize

• Every exhibitor at the International Trade Fair can apply for the Bavarian States Prize.
• The Bavarian States Prize is awarded 5,000 Euros, a gold medal, and a certificate.

The Awards will be given on the 13th of March at 4:30 pm.


Organisation and Funding:
Promoter: GHM – Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH.
Administration: Wolfgang Lösche, Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern.
Organisation: Michaela Braesel, Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern.


We are grateful for the support provided by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Energy, and the Bavarian State Ministry of Commerce and Media, Energy and Technology. The publication of the catalogue is enabled by funding from the Association of Trades Fairs.