Leeroy New's Psychopomp's Reef at the BGC Offsite Gallery
I’ve always believed that we should all have access to good art, and that making it available means expanding the experience of art to beyond the gallery or museum setting. Unfortunately, the scarcity of open areas in Metro Manila has meant that we get very little public art— and no, monuments to historical personages don’t count!
A whole new global city has opened up in Taguig, and one with its own art foundation to boot. Although, quite honestly, I find the permanent works scattered throughout this real estate development a bit humdrum. Late this year, however, the Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc. (BAFI) set aside a parcel of green specifically for contemporary pieces, a space where they plan to host two to three changing exhibits a year. We may yet witness the dawning of appreciation for public art’s value.
On December 13, the BGC Offsite Gallery formally opened with Leeroy New’s Psychopomp’s Reef. Once again, Leeroy has used the bright orange electrical conduits that we first saw him work with for 2010’s Balete at the Ateneo Art Gallery. His works frequently draw from myths, legends, or Catholic religious beliefs that he fuses with a long-running fascination for science fiction. The space has allowed him to create an environment populated by otherworldly fauna, where a giant Chimera seems right at home. Psychopomps guide souls in the afterlife. You can imagine them gliding about this mystical terrain.
Leeroy has made news lately as the creator of the outfit that Lady Gaga donned for her Marry The Night video. Leeroy showed off more of his wearable art on the night of the outdoor gallery’s launch. For their performance that evening, he dressed the Sipat Lawin Ensemble in creations that echoed the sculptures on site.
Kudos to Boots Herrera, now with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and BAFI’s Riza de Claro for overseeing the inauguration of the space and making Leeroy’s exhibit possible. When contemporary art gets the support of private corporations, we keep our fingers crossed for exciting things to happen!
Leeroy New’s Psychopomp’s Reef is on view until February 2012 at the BGC Offsite Gallery, 28th Street Corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Psychopomp's Reef, detail
The Chimera at Psychopomp's Reef
Another view of the reef
Leeroy beside one of his wearable sculptures. Lady Gaga donned a similar corset.
A member of Sipat Lawin Ensemble wears Leeroy New for their performance on opening night.