MANILA – Extraterrestrials walking around the streets of Manila, hands emerging from a wall in Tarlac, and a bamboo spaceship on the sand dunes of Paoay and other odd things emerging from other parts of the Philippines – the sight of them is not just different, it’s New. That is, Leeroy New.
Born and raised in General Santos City, New has been drawing and making art ever since he can remember. This medium-jumping artist has already presented his work on film, in theatre, fashion and visual arts, with one of his most famous early pieces being the muscle dress he created along with Kermit Tesoro and worn by Lady Gaga in the video for ‘Marry the Night.’
New has already received several citations for his work and has done numerous exhibitions. He has also been invited to participate in the Singapore Biennale and Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale, as well as collaborated with various theatre and dance groups including Ballet Philippines, Sipat Lawin Ensemble, Daloy Dance Company, Dulaang UP and with fashion designer Kermit Tesoro.
Today, Leeroy New is engaged in doing public art through Aliens of Manila where, as the name suggests, models are made to look like extraterrestrials on the streets of Manila.
To see more of his works, check out http://leeroynew.com and catch him at the upcoming Graphika Manila conference on January 31 to February 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
For more information, visit http://www.graphikamanila.com/
Words: Carla Tambong. Photo: Von Buenconsejo
