Johan Creten, born in 1963 in Saint-Truiden, Belgium, lives and works in Paris.

Recognized as a pivotal artist in the revival of ceramics within contemporary art, he has spent nearly four decades working in diverse locations worldwide, from Mexico to Rome, Miami, and The Hague. Since the 1980s - when ceramics were still viewed with skepticism in the art world - Creten has pushed the boundaries of clay, developing distinctive and refined techniques. His allegorical sculptures in ceramic and bronze are celebrated for their lyrical, poetic, and mysterious qualities. At the same time, his creations transcend mere aesthetic concerns, addressing social and political issues and reflecting his humanist vision. Creten promotes the notion of “Slow Art,” which encourages introspection and a deeper engagement with the complexities of human and societal experience.

Today, his works are housed in major institutions including the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Cité de la Céramique in Sèvres, and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. In 2005, he was invited by the Louvre to present his works in dialogue with those of Bernard Palissy (1510–1589) as part of the exhibition Contrepoint 2.
He is currently featured in a solo show, Johan Creten. Playing with fire, at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans (until September 22, 2024) and across the city itself (until summer 2025).