Louis Frank

Louis Frank is a Professor of Plastic Concepts / Ceramics at the University of Art and Design Linz, Austria, where he has maintained a position since 2006. Originally born in Hanover in 1966, he studied at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (1988-1993) and the Braunschweig University of Fine Arts (1996-2001). In 2004-2005, he served as a Visiting Professor at the same Linz institution before being appointed as a full Professor specializing in Plastic Concepts / Ceramics in 2006. He relocated to Linz in 2009 and established his studio house 'Spazio Arte Biassa' in Liguria, Italy, in 2022.

Frank's research and artistic practice centers on contemporary ceramic art, sculpture, and installation works that explore material transformation, spatial intervention, and conceptual frameworks. His works often incorporate mixed media approaches, combining traditional ceramic techniques with unconventional materials like furniture, mirrors, wood, and everyday objects. He investigates themes related to domestic spaces, environmental concerns, economic commentary, and perceptual phenomena through his artistic practice.

His recent artistic output (2022-2024) demonstrates continued innovation in ceramic and mixed media sculpture, with works like 'Under the Carpet,' 'Flood,' and 'Capital I-III' showcasing his evolving exploration of materiality and conceptual depth. These works reveal his mastery of ceramic techniques while pushing boundaries through unconventional material combinations and thematic complexity.

Among his numerous accolades:

• Grand Prix, XXIIIème Biennale Internationale de Ceramique Contemporaine 2014
• Honourable Mention, 62th Faenza Prize – International Competition of Contemporary Ceramic Art 2023
• Ceramics Prize of the State of Salzburg 2015
• 1st Prize Open to Art, 2017
• Westerwald Prize 2004 – Ceramics of Europe

Frank has maintained an active exhibition schedule with solo shows from 2000-2024 across Austria, Germany, and internationally. His works have been featured in prestigious competitions and biennales including the Faenza Prize, Vallauris Biennale, and Manises Biennal. His artistic career demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary ceramic art discourse while developing a distinctive voice through conceptual depth and technical innovation.

His studio practice spans multiple locations including Linz, Austria, and his 'Spazio Arte Biassa' in Liguria, Italy, allowing him to maintain both an academic position and active international artistic career.