30 march 2023, Yves Joris
Tommy Simoens Gallery: the sweet madness of Lí Wei
In English, the expression ‘a piece of cake’ refers to something that is not a big deal, something insignificant. For Chinese artist Lí Wei, it is the starting point of a fascinating performance that culminates in beautiful art. Through April 16, you can visit the small-scale exhibition One, Another One at Tommy Simoens' Antwerp gallery: small-scale in size, global in content.
“Born in Beijing in 1981, Lí Wei graduated from the sculpture department of the Central Academy of Fine Art in 2007. Based on his keen observation of life, his work provokes reflections on his ever-changing surroundings and raises questions about the wider socio-cultural and geopolitical structures of the world.”This is how Lí Wei's biography opens on his website. Since then, he has travelled all over the world with his performances and art.
The artist is still working when I enter the gallery. The smell of cake tickles my nostrils, a cake that is an important part of his current exhibition. “It’s not my first time in Europe, but my first time in Belgium. It’s quite a hassle to get a visa for your country. Is it always this hard?” he laughs. How did he end up here, of all places? A mutual friend introduced him to Tommy. After all, the original intention was to stay in Antwerp for only a few days before traveling on to Paris. Fate decided otherwise.
Dictators and bombs are blind to words
On 16 March 2022, 600 to 800 people (including many children) hid in the basements of Mariupol's theatre as the city was bombed mercilessly. They had chalked the word ‘Dety’ (children) on the ground in front of the theatre. It did not help. Bombs and dictators are blind to the words of others. To date, there is no clarity on the number of casualties. With One, Another One, Lí Wei offers his own moment of silence.
On 16 March 2023, the theatre in Mariupol will once again rise from its ashes. In the gallery space of Tommy Simoens on Antwerp's Falconplein (which ironically used to be popularly known as 'Red Square' because of the dozens of Russian shops located on the square), Lí Wei created a cake in the shape of the former theatre. People of Ukrainian background were invited to commemorate the tragic event that day. “I wanted people to come together, to talk about it with each other, to internalise the tragic facts, but also to give them a voice that would be listened to, so that this act of madness would never be forgotten.”
The sweet smell of destruction
While pieces of cake were served to those present and passers-by, the theatre was again destroyed. When asked why he made a cake-shaped work, the artist explains that his goal was twofold. First of all, food is very important to humans. Without food, there would be no people. But at the same time, the sweet smell of cake should also ensure that the smell of war disappears. Cake evokes the memory of a casual get-together.
The purpose of the expo is also twofold. During the casual gathering, Lí Wei enters into dialogue with those present and asks if he can make busts of them. We often associate busts with famous people. With his work, he elevates everyone to this status, as they are all equal to the artist. In the meantime, two busts are being completed in the studio. A man and a woman fleeing war. A young couple who may have seen the future differently.
How many works does he want to make? “As many as possible.” Until April 13, he will be constantly in his studio. “I don't put the works on a pedestal. The busts will be on the floor, forcing you to kneel to look them in the eye. Standing up will get the impression of looking down on these people.” He is referring to The Hollow Men, a past project with a similar approach.
The exhibition One, Another One runs through April 16th. When I ask what will happen to the images, Lí Wei answers that the city of Antwerp has seen many immigrant flows over the centuries and has numerous fascinating museums where his work might found a home. And if I happen to know anyone? (laughs)
Back home, I silently look at the pictures of the destroyed theatre. It suddenly occurs to me that no one has dared to mention the word 'Dety'.
