MANILA – October 17, 2013 – In his latest solo exhibition, Leeroy New creates a large-scale otherworldly landscape in the Main Gallery of Manila Contemporary.
New’s iconic cast of aliens and monsters inhabit the space, which is divided into three specific experiences: a cave made of mangrove root formations; a hanging latex installation; and an area filled with floating metallic geometric shapes.
Figurative and functional sculptures are also positioned across each environment, activating and guiding viewers through this alternative world.
< src="/global//UserFiles/Carapace. " width="300" height="388" hspace="5" align="right" alt="" />A product of his generation’s fascination with pop culture, graphic novels, sci-fi literature and industrial design, New has been intent on re-articulating the idea of aberrations within his own brand of mythology.
Purely aesthetic, and void of the usual fear and anxiety that is invoked by these creatures, he focuses on the arbitrary manipulation of existing clichés, the angle of it being a spectacle, and an ingenious use of material.
Several performances will also take place throughout the duration of the exhibition, Manila Contemporary said.
About the artist
Leeroy New is a sculptor, artist, and designer whose practice aims to overlap and intersect the different forms of visual arts including art, film, theater and fashion.
He has participated in group shows and biennales including: Direct from the Studios: Romeo Lee, Leeroy New, Maya Munoz and Ling Quisumbing – Ramilo, Manila Contemporary, 2012; 12 Days of Christmas, Manila Contemporary, 2011; Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale, Japan, 2009 and the Singapore Biennale, 2008.
He was a recipient of the CCP 13 Artist Award in 2012, along with the Ateneo Art Awards in 2009 where he received residency grants in Singapore and Australia, he also received the grand prize in the 2005 Metrobank Art Awards.
In addition, New works in fashion design collaborating with fellow Fine Arts graduate Kermit Tesoro for the 2008 and 2010 Philippine Fashion Week. Their 2010 collection was ranked second for that season by Preview magazine. New also works as a production designer and has worked on three feature films and a number of music videos and short films.
Gates of Hell runs from October 19 to November 9, 2013 at Manila Contemporary, Whitespace, 2314 Don Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Brgy. Magallanes, Makati City
