Craftsmanship involves hands, materials, and tools — but also myths, assumptions, and associations that go beyond the tangible. Depending on one’s perspective, craft may be seen as traditional, authentic, regional, physical, or individual.

The temporary exhibition Craft as Myth. Between Ideal and Everyday Life (6 June – 21 December 2025), presented by the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) in Dresden at the Japanisches Palais, examines these layered narratives. It also serves as an inclusive, interactive forum for engaging with local and regional craft — past, present, and future. Across six thematic sections, it explores craft from different perspectives, including the interplay between local and global production, and between progress and tradition.

This DESIGN CAMPUS Lab addresses these themes in a multi-day workshop on AI in design and craft processes. Its starting point is the museum’s collection of Katagami printing stencils from Japan, imported to Europe in the late 19th century. These intricately cut paper stencils, once used for kimono printing, influenced European art around 1900, particularly Art Nouveau (Japonisme).

Using AI tools, the ornaments are digitally captured and reinterpreted, enabling automated variations based on historical patterns. This process invites discussion on how technology intersects with tradition. Ornaments, far from being merely decorative, carry meaning that transcends language and emerge through an iterative process of refinement.

The Ornamental Intelligence: Computer-Aided Crafts and Design Lab introduces AI tools for tackling design- and craft-related tasks, leading to collaboratively developed ornament variations inspired by the museum’s collection.

Participation is free of charge. Travel, accommodation, and catering are at participants’ own expense, unless supported by a stipend from NDU or EUNIC.

A cooperation of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Kunstgewerbemuseum / Design Campus (SKD), in collaboration with the New Design University St. Pölten (NDU) and EU National Institutes of Culture Berlin (EUNIC)