Lee Wei Swee

Born in Payerne and currently residing in Paris, photographer Lee Wei Swee (b. 1987) has been heralded by Mykki Blanco as a modern-day reincarnation of Timothy Leary, capturing the spirit of the 2020s through his stunning visual narratives. Swee’s photographic approach is a captivating blend of formal rigor and psychedelic exploration, drawing inspiration from diverse influences ranging from the dynamic handheld aesthetics of skate culture to the whimsical formalism found in Michel Gondry's music videos, as well as the frenetic energy of celebrated Japanese filmmakers like Takashi Miike. Swee's artistic journey began with a foundation in design and photography at ECAL in Lausanne, where he honed his skills before transitioning to the world of fashion photography following a unique interlude as a gardener in Switzerland. His collaborations with renowned designers such as Walter van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester, alongside emerging talents from the Royal Academy in Antwerp, have allowed him to cultivate a distinctive visual language that resonates throughout the fashion industry. Central to Swee’s practice is the creation of a chosen family of collaborators, including cinematographer Cyprien Bourrec, set designer Felix Gesnouin, makeup artist Cécile Paravina, and hairstylist Yann Turchi. His recent projects feature high-profile figures such as FKA Twigs, Maisie Williams, Timothée Chalamet, and the creative collective Ugly Worldwide, known for their bold aesthetics. In addition to his role as a guest photographer for the Karma issue of Antidote magazine, Swee's editorial work has graced the pages of prestigious publications, including Vogue China, British GQ, Vogue +, and Vogue Arabia. With an eye towards expanding the kaleidoscopic intersections of art, music, and fashion, he is currently developing an exhibition that will challenge conventional boundaries. Swee’s latest body of work, inspired by the Chinese term 鬼佬 (Gwai Lo/Gwei Lao, meaning "ghost man"), delves into the complexities of his bicultural identity. This project promises to take on a cinematic form, further enriching the dialogue surrounding his artistic heritage and vision.