Okay, picture this: a room full of paper that somehow feels alive. That’s exactly what happens when you step into Michael Velliquette’s latest solo show, The Light That Sees, at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis (running through December 13, 2025). I promise, it’s not your average gallery visit.
Velliquette takes plain sheets of paper and transforms them into mind-blowing sculptures. We’re talking 21 new monochromatic reliefs that play with light, perception, and even consciousness. And here’s the kicker—they’re all cut by hand. No machines, no shortcuts. Just hours and hours of careful, obsessive crafting. Think mandalas, suns that seem to glow, watchful eyes, and abstract landscapes that make your brain go, “Wow.”
Even though the colors are simple—mostly just one tone per piece—you’ll get lost in the details. Tiny perforations, spirals, tiered textures… it’s like each sculpture has its own heartbeat. You’ll even notice echoes of symbols and patterns from cultures across the world, all layered together in ways that feel both ancient and totally modern.
The coolest part? Standing in front of one of these paper sculptures, you actually feel the light. It’s quiet, subtle, but it radiates. It’s like the artwork is gently whispering, “Hey, notice me.”
If you can swing by St. Louis, go. But if not, Michael Velliquette’s website and Instagram are packed with jaw-dropping shots of these pieces. Trust me, these paper sculptures deserve more than a double-tap—they deserve a moment of awe.
