Traditional craftsmanship meets modern art

When high-quality craftsmanship is combined with art, something very special is created. This interplay of tradition, artistic spirit and innovative creation characterises Gmunden Keramik. The manufactory on Lake Traunsee was mentioned in a document as early as 1492, when Christopher Columbus was discovering America. Today, it is one of the largest ceramic brands in Central Europe and is globally renowned for its exclusive, unique pieces. But a love of art is also firmly anchored in the company’s DNA. The foundation stone for this was laid in 1909 with the ‘Künstlerische Werkstätte Franz und Emilie Schleiss’. This passion still characterises the company today and led to the merger with the Wiener Werkstätten. This is how ‘Wiener Keramik’ became world-famous and still characterises the special flair of the company today.

The artist is persecuted in his home country of China and is considered a world star in art circles. In 2024, he presented ceramic objects made by Gmundner in the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl, generating a huge media response that went viral internationally. His most recent work ‘Combat Vases’ is currently being exhibited in New York as part of a retrospective of his creative output. The multi-layered artwork consists of 175 precisely arranged ceramic helmets from the German „Wehrmacht“, for which Weiwei worked closely with Gmundner Keramik.

The Academy of Ceramics at the Gmundner Manufaktur is currently presenting another highlight with ceramic works by Elmar Trenkwalder. For more than three decades, the Austrian draughtsman, painter and sculptor has fascinated visitors with his multi-faceted art. The exhibition provides an overview of his work, including new pieces produced especially for the exhibition. His monumental ceramic sculptures are reminiscent of the magnificent architecture of the Baroque and Rococo periods, often with Asian influences. In the mid-1980s, Trenkwalder turned to ceramics and developed opulent, expansive sculptures that explore all the limits of the material. ‚I handle everything myself, from modeling and glazing to firing the kiln,‘ explains Elmar Trenkwalder. ‘My way of working always leads from the abstract to the figurative and vivid. This creates a transformation during the creative process.’ With the artistic material of clay, his work has achieved freedoms and dimensions in which he repeatedly succeeds in putting the static properties of the unfired material to the test. Trenkwalder studied under Max Weiler and Arnulf Rainer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and gained international recognition early on, including at the Venice Biennale in 1990 and in exhibitions in Vienna, Zurich, Lyon and the Louvre in Paris.

But it is not only renowned artists who can realise their projects at the AoCG. Young artists are also welcome to develop their skills in ceramic art. After all, this lively format is all about mutual inspiration between ceramic manufacturers and contemporary international artists. Exhibitions and events also promote creative dialogue, resulting in impressive works. For example, the Academy of Ceramics invites artists from all over the world as part of its successfully established artist-in-residence programme, which creates new networks in the ceramics industry. In this way, the AoCG provides economic impetus and makes an important contribution to the region and interest in ceramic art. This extends far beyond Austria’s borders: as part of an AoCG exhibition, for example, Gmundner presented the creation of the SAN Edition from the art and aid project in Namibia.

‘As the largest ceramics manufacturer in Europe, we have a responsibility for the art of ceramics,’ explains Markus Friesacher, owner of Gmundner Keramik. ‘That’s why we open our doors and kilns to the artists in residence and provide them with the entire infrastructure and our comprehensive expertise for their work. In this way, we are continuing the company’s long tradition of combining design, art and functional ceramics for future generations.’ The works are then presented to the public in changing exhibitions and commented on by the artists themselves as part of the Academy Talks.

The historically rooted love of craftsmanship, contemporary art and culture also characterises the excellent handmade ceramic products from Gmundner. After all, ceramics craftsmanship has deep roots in the Salzkammergut region. ‘We are planning to work more closely with contemporary artists again in order to create unique collections that reflect the heritage of the manufactory and at the same time set modern accents,’ explains Markus Friesacher. ‘We are currently in talks with several renowned artists and designers. Together, we are creating limited editions that captivate both collectors and art enthusiasts.’