Grand Prize, Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale

A global platform embracing the diversity and future potential of contemporary ceramic art.

Since its inception in 2001, the International Competition of the Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale (GCB2024) has become one of the world's largest ceramic art competitions, attracting over 1,500 artists from 70 countries each year. This year, 1,097 artists from 73 countries submitted a total of 1,505 works. Following a preliminary round consisting of anonymous online image reviews, 61 pieces were shortlisted. In the final round of evaluations, which were conducted anonymously in person, 57 winning works were selected, including 14 major award winners.

To ensure fairness, all judging procedures for this international competition were conducted with strict confidentiality, involving a panel of 10 experts. The judges focused on works that had the potential to lead trends in ceramic art, as well as those that demonstrated a profound commitment to the craft. Overall, the judges praised the competition entries as innovative and experimental, in addition to reflecting the current era. In particular, the GCB Grand Prize-winning piece was recognized for its remarkable expression and high level of technical originality, underpinned by a profound understanding of clay and fire. The judges also emphasized that all 57 winning works possess value comparable to the Grand Prize winner.

Notably, with the unanimous agreement of the on-site judges, the GCB Traditional Prize was adjusted to have a single recipient, and the GCB Special Prize was introduced as a major prize, in addition to the originally planned awards. Each of these awards was selected by individual judges during the on-site evaluations, with the intention of conveying a strong message of encouragement to the honored artists.

Now in its 12th biennial year, the Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale is an art and cultural event for artists and the general public to imbue their day-to-day lives with happiness through the medium of clay ceramics. Additionally, contemporary topics will be alluded to through the thematic and special exhibitions of the biennale, in which the historical, cultural, and local characteristics of the Korean and global ceramic art scene are reflected. Furthermore, artists will be given the opportunity to interact with one another through various events, such as academic conferences, with the biennale serving as a platform to promote the excellence and charm of Korean ceramics to the world. The biennale will also provide artistic and cultural venues where everyone can enjoy themselves through a variety of accompanying and visiting events being held around Gyeonggi-do area, bringing fulfilment to the senses and participants' sentiments.

This year's biennale, with the theme "TOGETHER_Montaigne's Cat," will offer visitors a unique opportunity to empathize and act regarding how to repair and restore the lost skills of cooperation amidst the social conflict and unrest of modern society. They will also gain insights on and how to cooperate with one another and progress side-by-side with their fellow human beings through ceramics, a medium that has long connected different races, ethnic groups, and histories.