Talente. Masters of the Future 2024

>> Download the complete official Handwerk & Design 2024 Program including the Munich City Map & Metro Plan.


This year were received more than 500 applications from ca. 40 countries and a total of 92 participants from 24 countries were selected.

>> Download here the selected artist list by material


This year, TALENTE - Masters of the Future presents works that deal with current problems. This includes the long-standing search for new alternative, sustainable materials or those that recycle existing materials and make them reusable. This includes the reutilisation of organic waste to create plastic alternatives or the further processing of waste such as marine plastic. Experiments with regard to the development of new materials for the construction industry such as bio-cement or geopolymers will also be on show. Other works deal with pressing current issues such as the extinction of species and the consequences of wars and attempt to offer solution models for specific problems. For example, dwellings for endangered amphibian species and a transport trolley for large loop metal detectors for explosive ordnance disposal will be presented.
 
In comparison with the entries from previous years, the strong growth in interest in glass seems to be continuing. What is striking here is the examination of traditions, especially in the examples from the Czech Republic, and the endeavour to combine these with contemporary themes and a modern design language. There are also unusual combinations of materials that play with the respective material properties and character. The glass works also show the inspiration of nature and the desire to draw attention not only to its beauty, but also to its endangerment.
 
As in glass, there are also very different positions in ceramics. In addition to the exploration of classic production methods and the harmony of machine and handcrafted production, it is also about the exploration of and the fundamental, research of materials and techniques. Very perfectly executed, highly aesthetic works from South Korea are juxtaposed with experimental pieces with unusual colour effects and shapes that deal with surfaces and spatiality. Sculptural works and those with functional or practical concerns can be found side by side in "Talents - Masters of the Future".
 
The search for formal design and the great interest in materials also characterise the works in wood - be it sculptural works of very different character or pieces of furniture in which it is possible to develop new solutions for established forms with great care, patience and material expertise. Other pieces of furniture deal with the adaptation of certain forms to the current way of life with more frequent changes of residence, small flats and changing needs, but also with the reuse of materials.
 
Textiles also play a special role this year. Here, too, very different positions can be observed, a wide range of formats from large wall pieces to small samples, as well as various concerns ranging from references to current themes to fashionable designs and practical uses. The techniques are also varied and include printing, different types of weaving, knitting, embroidery and pleating. It is possible to observe a preoccupation with different techniques and design methods and their possible applications, an examination of traditional techniques and a contemporary appearance. Thematically, the works range from the translation of impressions of nature and enthusiasm for the colourfulness of nature to the examination of one's own sexuality and origins and the resulting problems, to a conscious integration of wear and tear and dissolution as aesthetic components and as a characteristic of the material, with the beauty of decay. Other works are characterised by a narrative element, by the exploration of the connection between surface and space, colour and light or strive to incorporate movement and change.
 
The jewellery is once again characterised by the variety of materials used and underlying approaches. The jewellery deals with political-social, artistic and personal themes. For example, it is about women in Iran or the traditional, gender-specific expectations placed on women. But there are also private reflections that deal with the concepts of belonging and home, with the clash of two cultures, with pain and trauma, with memory and everyday life, with tradition and experimentation. In addition, very poetic works will be shown that translate experienced feelings into observations of natural phenomena. Material-oriented and formal experiments also characterise the Jewellery works exhibited.
 
All in all, an interesting and diverse selection has emerged, which demonstrates young designers' engagement with contemporary, highly topical themes. As in the previous year, the focus is on sustainability, an interest in materials and cultural observations and considerations, and the call for more tolerance, equality and openness. The young designers are also fascinated by the relation between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. They explore historical processes and transfer them into their own present. This addresses a core aspect of craftsmanship and its history, which can be defined as a perpetual attempt to innovatively unite past and present. Technical aspects and design go hand in hand and are mutually dependent.

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

Prizes and Awards:
Talente-Prize (Saturday 2. March at 4.30 in B1)

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

Bavarian States Prize (Friday, 1^st March, 2 p.m)

• 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 2nd of March at 4:30 pm.


Organisation and Funding:
Promoter: GHM – Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH.
Administration: Barbara Schmidt, 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.