designboom · Creativity & design

Louvre-Lens Exhibition Explores the Art of Cuteness

The Louvre-Lens museum is hosting 'So Cute! The Art of Happiness,' an exhibition examining cuteness in art from antiquity to the present. It features around 300 works, exploring why certain aesthetics evoke affection.

The exhibition juxtaposes works from different eras, featuring elements like Egyptian cats and modern characters. It treats cuteness as something that evolves across time and cultures.

A section traces kawaii's development from ancient roots to modern manifestations in manga and fashion, with artists like Takashi Murakami represented.

The exhibition also examines the color pink historically and its use in art, alongside works by artists like Cindy Sherman.

Beyond its sweet facade, 'So Cute!' investigates the darker side of cuteness, exploring its connections to consumer culture and propaganda.

Soft toys are presented as tools for addressing memory and vulnerability, while characters challenge the notion of perfectly behaved plushies.

The exhibition's dreamlike scenography includes interactive elements like a 'wheel of emotions' and a 'Symphony of Emotions' room.

The exhibition runs from September 23, 2026, to January 18, 2027. Much of the scenography uses materials from the museum's reuse program.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.