CCP unveils large installation art for Earth Day
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CCP unveils large installation art for Earth Day
ABS-CBN News,
Ched Rick Gatchalian
Published Apr 18, 2024 11:29 AM PHT
'Mebuyan's Colony' at Ateneo de Manila University. Handout
'Mebuyan's Colony' at Ateneo de Manila University. HandoutMANILA -- To celebrate Earth Day 2024, a multi-sensory installation art will take center stage at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Grounds starting next week.
MANILA -- To celebrate Earth Day 2024, a multi-sensory installation art will take center stage at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Grounds starting next week.
The CCP is set to unveil "Mebuyan's Colony," a monumental work by award-winning Filipino artist Leeroy New. This large-scale immersive project combines New's interest in science fiction and Filipino mythology, and promotes environmental awareness and green initiatives.
The CCP is set to unveil "Mebuyan's Colony," a monumental work by award-winning Filipino artist Leeroy New. This large-scale immersive project combines New's interest in science fiction and Filipino mythology, and promotes environmental awareness and green initiatives.
Inspired by the Earth Day theme "Planet vs. Plastics," the 7-meter-high and 25-meter-wide installation features a mix of organic and recycled materials like blue gallons, bamboo, and steel. The bizarre "nest-like" presentation is New's attempt to semi-architecturally lessen the heat and help ensure the plants can live inside and under the structure.
Inspired by the Earth Day theme "Planet vs. Plastics," the 7-meter-high and 25-meter-wide installation features a mix of organic and recycled materials like blue gallons, bamboo, and steel. The bizarre "nest-like" presentation is New's attempt to semi-architecturally lessen the heat and help ensure the plants can live inside and under the structure.
The opening reception of “Mebuyan's Colony” is on April 25, 6 p.m. at the CCP Front Lawn. The exhibit will run until May 25.
The opening reception of “Mebuyan's Colony” is on April 25, 6 p.m. at the CCP Front Lawn. The exhibit will run until May 25.
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Exploring Filipino mythology
There's more to the art project's title than the usual mythological reference. New explained that he wanted to use his art to diversify the representation of Filipino mythological characters.
There's more to the art project's title than the usual mythological reference. New explained that he wanted to use his art to diversify the representation of Filipino mythological characters.
“Our references to local stories and pre-colonial mythology can determine our approach to creative production. I referenced Mebuyan and other pre-colonial stories because most of us only get to hear the same stories,” he said. “We don’t hear about Mebuyan, the goddess of death and fertility, who nurtures the spirits of dead babies. So there are a lot of principles and elements that we miss out on.”
“Our references to local stories and pre-colonial mythology can determine our approach to creative production. I referenced Mebuyan and other pre-colonial stories because most of us only get to hear the same stories,” he said. “We don’t hear about Mebuyan, the goddess of death and fertility, who nurtures the spirits of dead babies. So there are a lot of principles and elements that we miss out on.”
Mebuyan, a goddess of death and fertility in Bagobo mythology, is known for her body covered in numerous breasts. The reference can be seen on the installation’s clusters of spheres.
Mebuyan, a goddess of death and fertility in Bagobo mythology, is known for her body covered in numerous breasts. The reference can be seen on the installation’s clusters of spheres.
The earth goddess is also commonly discussed within the context of indigenous feminism.
The earth goddess is also commonly discussed within the context of indigenous feminism.
Science, art, and the environment
New’s early art influences include science fiction films where world-building is crucial.
New’s early art influences include science fiction films where world-building is crucial.
Leeroy New. Handout
Leeroy New. Handout“The concept of world-building became an important principle and determining idea in how I implemented my art practice. I had dreams of participating in building worlds physically and, in a practical way, through architecture,” the artist said.
“The concept of world-building became an important principle and determining idea in how I implemented my art practice. I had dreams of participating in building worlds physically and, in a practical way, through architecture,” the artist said.
With “Mebuyan’s Colony,” New said he utilized more Earth-related materials rather than rock and metallic forms that are akin to space elements. This aims to show how humans can redefine their relationship with Earth.
With “Mebuyan’s Colony,” New said he utilized more Earth-related materials rather than rock and metallic forms that are akin to space elements. This aims to show how humans can redefine their relationship with Earth.
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