Lee Mingwei, the Wexner Center's 2002–03 residency artist in visual arts, has created an installation suggested by the tea houses of his native Taiwan. Although you won't find tea in The Vessel, the artist invites visitors to settle in and relax in this space for contemplation, social interaction, spiritual reflection, and sensory appreciation. He brings elements of nature into the gallery and strives to convey an atmosphere free from the anxieties of daily life. The artist, who is a practicing Ch'an Buddhist, draws on philosophical concepts underlying Buddhism: awareness, compassion, and self-knowledge. Shared experiences and interactions are often crucial in his work, and, as part of his residency, Lee is scheduled to be on hand to interact with audience members from February 21 to 28, 2003.
