Lee Mingwei exhibition at Perrotin Gallery Paris
Lee Mingwei’s exhibition “Lorsque la beauté paraît” isn’t about objects you look at – it’s about experiences you take part in.
Beauty appears through human connection
The title itself – “When beauty appears” – suggests that beauty is not fixed or owned, but emerges in moments:
- a conversation with a stranger
- an act of generosity
- a shared silence
Lee Mingwei‘s work argues that beauty is something that happens between people, not something displayed on a wall.
Repair as a metaphor for emotional healing
In works like The Mending Project, visitors bring damaged clothing to be repaired.
This isn’t just about fabric—it symbolizes:
- repairing memories
- acknowledging vulnerability
- trusting someone else with something personal
The act of stitching becomes a quiet ritual of care, patience, and restoration.
Participation replaces passive viewing
Unlike traditional exhibitions, you’re not just a spectator. You might:
- talk to a performer
- offer something personal
- witness an intimate interaction
This shifts art from “something to consume” → “something to co-create.”
Slowness and mindfulness
Many of Lee’s works slow you down intentionally. In a fast, distracted world, he creates spaces where:
- time stretches
- attention deepens
- small gestures feel meaningful
It’s almost meditative—closer to a ritual than a typical gallery visit.
Trust and vulnerability
His installations often depend on strangers trusting each other. That creates a subtle tension:
- Will you open up?
- Will others respect your offering?
This explores how fragile—but powerful—human trust can be.
Place/ Perrotin Gallery, Paris
ft/ Kate Zaniewska
