Born 1952, Wilhelmsthal, Eastern Germany
Klaus Titze is deeply grounded in the materials that he uses, with wickerwork made from willow as his foundation. He developed a special technique where the willow is twisted to create thick "ropes" and then he twists the shapes so the results are not always functional pieces. Another aspect of his art is the transformation of wickerwork to its negative by adding other materials like fiber concrete. By firing the willow until it almost disappears he creates fossil-like structures of sculptures and architectural elements.
Klaus Titze is known for his innovative work in contemporary basketry. Trained as a basket maker in Erkner, near Berlin (1984–1986), he developed a distinctive practice centered on organically shaped baskets created through a specialized twisting technique. Expanding beyond traditional craft, his work often combines willow with materials such as clay, stone, iron, and concrete, blurring the line between functional object and sculpture. He has also engaged in land art, further extending his exploration of natural forms and materials. A member of the The Danish Arts and Crafts Association, Titze has received numerous awards, including the International Basketry Contest in Salt, Catalonia (2014), the Design & Crafts Collection Art Aurea (2011), and the Bayerischer Staatspreis (2005), among others.
