Leeroy New: Balete Spacecraft

11 Nov-19 Nov 2023

Overview

Artist-designer Leeroy New takes over the Social at Aviva Studios with a colourful commentary on consumerism

How much plastic do you reckon you’ve used today? How much have you chucked away? Where does it all go anyway?

We want this new installation from Filipino artist Leeroy New to get you thinking. Landing at Aviva Studios this autumn, this sprawling spaceship-like sculpture takes waste materials and transforms them into a colourful tangle of roots, inspired by the sacred Balete tree of the Philippines.

Made from reclaimed hazel and willow woods that are native to the region as well as plastics found across our city, Balete Spacecraft uses materials from Manchester to highlight a universal issue. Reaching into the far corners of The Social, Leeroy’s work is also a commentary on colonialism, who gets to use up resources and who is left to deal with the waste.

Pop by at the weekend and see the work come to life as dancers dressed as alien-like creatures wearing parts of the sculpture perform in the Social! Check out our full performance schedule below so you don’t miss out.

Want to get involved? You’ll be able to add your own creations to the sculpture – guided by workshops, learning along in the Social or on social media. Watch this space for more info on how you can leave your mark.

Leeroy New is a multidisciplinary artist working with film, theatre, product design and fashion. Specially made for The Welcome, Balete Spacecraft is part of Leeroy’s Balete series, where each sculpture is crafted from waste materials. The series is inspired by the mythology of the Balete tree, which is a dwelling place for otherworldly beings in Philippine folklore.

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