TALENTE münchen. Masters of the Future 2025

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This year, TALENTE münchen– Masters of the Future is once again presenting works that address current issues. This year, in particular, this includes working with existing raw materials. This concerns, for example, the reuse and repurposing of electronic devices with plastic casings or the processing of textile remnants. The results are innovative and attractive works that playfully address the topic of recycling and upcycling or do not even reveal it. Other topics deal with the concerns of wheelchair users in an effort to make their life easier and more pleasant, and with climate control in cities through the possibilities of greening – in this case through facade tiles that can be planted.

Another major topic is the examination of the relationship between digital and manual production methods. The aim here is to accept the current state of technology, but to question it, to play with the possibilities and to reflect on them in the works itself. This includes the translation of computer technology into manual production or its use for preparation in manual production. This results in a curious and pragmatic approach to the possibilities of computer technology, which, however, should not replace craftsmanship, but rather supplement it in a meaningful or experimental way. The designers' wish is to savour the full spectrum of possibilities, while remaining open to current trends and continuing traditions in a lively way.

Enthusiasm for glass seems to have been replaced this year by enthusiasm for ceramics. Nevertheless, the variety of design approaches and functions is striking. The works range from functional pieces that also have a considerable message to sculptural works characterised by strong colours and very different surfaces. To achieve this, techniques such as enamel and airbrushing are used for glass which are rarely used in glass and which create irritating, initially rather non-glass-specific impressions. A similar effect is also created by combining glass with unusual materials such as corrugated iron, which results in exciting, space-encompassing effects.

As with glass, ceramics also encompasses a wide range of positions. This year, the abundance of large-format sculptural objects is striking. These dominate the space and are placed in relation to the viewer. They include abstract works with figurative residual motifs, which can be traced back to the translation of colour results, created in a performance in which the artist worked with ink and unfired ceramic objects on paper. Other works create new forms based on a combination of different traditions, genetic results, and personal memories, which make contact with the viewer as an installation. Experiments with a variety of materials found in the surrounding area can be found, as can playful and narrative explorations of baroque models, which culminate in monumental vase objects. This year, ceramic works from South Korea can once again be seen, which impress with their perfection, elegance, and subtle aesthetics.

The furniture section includes masterpieces of the highest quality as well as functional works that relate to contemporary living conditions, combining unusual materials, flexibility, and traditions. Costs and delivery conditions are also taken into account. The aim is to incorporate current lifestyles with more frequent changes of residence, smaller apartments and changing needs into many designs.

Textiles play a special role again this year. The variety of materials, techniques, functions, and approaches is impressive. It ranges from very different statements, which in the field of fashion alone range from elegant, high French craftsmanship to very personal, imaginative works in unusual colours and materials. The textile works are presented in an unusual range of formats, including large-format wall pieces and smaller samples. The concerns are also very different: they range from archaeological explorations into the ancient world to an examination of textile traditions. The techniques are also diverse and include printing, hand- and computer-controlled weaving, knitting, and pleating. An important theme is the upcycling of fabrics or yarns, as well as the practical use of textiles that can be flexibly applied to room division and sound insulation. The unusual sculptural, three-dimensional conception of textile works is also interesting.

The jewellery section is again characterised by the diversity of the materials used and the underlying approaches. Here, the examination of socio-political, artistic, and personal topics can be found. It is about memories, settling into a new environment, rebelling against traditional role models, dealing with materials and their different levels of association, as well as the traditional value of jewellery. The creative process is analysed and scrutinised. There is also a reference to regional traditions and techniques that demonstrate the desire to keep the past alive and to generate attention for it.

In addition, this year's exhibition also features unusual materials such as tea and wax, as well as works in leather, which are not included in the Talents every year.

All in all, an interesting and diverse selection has emerged that demonstrates how young designers engage with contemporary, highly topical issues. As in previous years, the focus is on sustainability, an interest in materials and cultural observations, as well as considerations that include calls for more tolerance, equality and openness, and an awareness of what is foreign and different. Furthermore, the young designers are fascinated by the encounter between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. They explore historical processes and at the same time engage with modern production techniques, combining them in their designs.


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

Prizes and Awards:
Talente-Prize (Saturday 15^th March at 4.30 in hall 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.

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.