Louvre-Lens opens exhibition exploring the power of cute art

The Louvre-Lens museum has opened a new exhibition titled ‘Trop mignon! L’art du bonheur’ (Too Cute! The Art of Happiness). Featuring approximately 300 works ranging from Antiquity to the present day, the exhibition explores the role of ‘cute’ art as a source of comfort amidst global turmoil.

The immersive experience includes various media such as paintings, sculptures, photography, and video. The curation covers diverse cultural phenomena, including Japanese ‘kawaii’ and Korean ‘aegyo’ influences, alongside contemporary figures like Labubu creatures and Gremlins. The exhibition also examines the history of the color pink as a symbol of equality and rights.

Beyond its comforting aspects, the exhibition addresses the darker side of the aesthetic, such as the use of cuteness in propaganda by authoritarian regimes and the depiction of animals on military fronts, from World War I to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The exhibition is scheduled to run until January 18, 2027.