What links the Louvre Pyramid, the Miho Museum in Shigaraki, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha? They are all the masterpieces of Ieoh Ming Pei, the visionary Chinese-American architect whose work has reshaped modern architecture.
Life is Architecture: A Retrospective of Pei’s Legacy
The first full-scale retrospective of I.M. Pei (1917–2019) brings his life’s work into the spotlight, offering a comprehensive exploration of his seven-decade-long career. I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture showcases the extraordinary global impact of his designs, with iconic projects that span continents. From the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., to the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, Pei’s architecture has shaped both the skylines and cultural identities of cities around the world.
Pei’s education was deeply influenced by the Bauhaus movement, with legendary mentors like Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer shaping his philosophy. His work has always carried the essence of this transformative period, with a focus on structural lightness and an appreciation for both form and function. For the architect, architecture was a dialogue, a living entity that exists between history and modernity, East and West.
Fashion and Architectural Dialogue: A Shared Vision
I.M. Pei’s work goes beyond creating structures—it’s about creating a sense of place and memory, transforming buildings into living narratives that speak to the future while grounding us in the past. His designs evoke a sense of continuity and evolution, always open to interpretation. Important buildings in unique surroundings are also ideal settings for staging fashion shows.
This idea of blending history with innovation is mirrored in the world of fashion. Take Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2018 show, which took place at the Miho Museum, designed by Pei. Nicolas Ghesquière’s runway set, suspended high above the Shigaraki mountains, used Pei’s architectural genius as a backdrop. The show itself was a collaboration with Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto, where traditional references to Japanese culture met bold fashion, much like Pei’s designs blend the past with the present. Models walked across a metal bridge, entering from a tunnel—an unforgettable runway moment that felt like stepping into an architectural wonder.
Engaging with Pei’s Work: A Hands-On Experience
One of the most engaging aspects of the exhibition is its interactive nature. Visitors will find themselves immersed in Pei’s world through drawings, photographs, and miniature architectural models. What I love most is that it invites you to build your own Pei-inspired designs. Architecture begins with play, and that sense of joy and experimentation is reflected in the exhibition. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Pei’s legacy on a personal level. And I started to draw more.
Exhibition Details
I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture runs from September 21, 2024, to April 6, 2025, at M+, Hong Kong.
For more details, visit mplus.org.hk.
