Gain an insight into Lee Mingwei's intimate practice in London on April 30. The Taiwan-born participatory artist, whose artistic practice is primary concerned with the rituals of giving and receiving, will give an artist's talk at Tate Modern. (This event has been cancelled to comply with pandemic control efforts.)
Lee describes his practice as "social conceptualism." His installations invite strangers to come together in simple everyday rituals such as eating, sleeping, walking, or speaking. Through staging intimate and personal encounters, Lee explores issues of trust, intimacy and self-awareness. Join us on April 30, and hear the artist talk about his work.
Lee's previous collaborations with the Tate family include "Fabric of Memory," a Liverpool Biennial project presented at Tate Liverpool as part of International 06.
"Fabric of Memory" reveals how personal histories can be captured by objects. Lee invited local residents to lend handmade textiles, such as items of clothing, made by and received from a family member during childhood. Both maker and receiver were asked to provide a history of the item, what memories they had of giving or wearing it and what feelings it now evokes. The Tate Liverpool installation featured eighteen items that have been submitted by Liverpool residents.
As a partner project to the gallery work, an online database was developed at Tate Online to allow anybody, anywhere to submit details about their home-made items and the memories they evoke. The browseable database remains accessible here: http://www2.tate.org.uk/fabricofmemory/
Lee, 56, is renowned for his participatory mixed-media installations that explore how acts of generosity can nurture interaction and reciprocity among individuals. More information on the internationally acclaimed artist can be found here.