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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider PROTEGERI artist spotlight: Leeroy New

PROTEGERI artist spotlight: Leeroy New

By MBrand
Published Oct 15, 2025 12:03 pm
Photos by: Lennon Group, Inc.
An influential presence in contemporary Philippine art, a name that has brought to life larger than life, visionary installations crafted from repurposed materials. Leeroy New’s work navigates art, fashion, and public spaces, transforming plastics and industrial waste into otherworldly and thought-provoking pieces. His practice often highlights social and environmental issues, all while celebrating the culture and ingenuity of Filipino people.
Some of Leeroy’s international acclaim includes participation in the Singapore Biennale and the Biennale of Sydney, and exhibitions at Palais de Tokyo, Honolulu Triennale, and Somerset House. For PROTEGERI, he lends his passion for sustainability and shares his vision on how the transformative power of creativity can help protect communities. The Leeroy pieces in this space exhibit not only the collaboration of the artist and the kids. Each carries a narrative of hope from remnants of earthly waste rediscovered as art worthy of ethereal praise.
Borrowing the Latin word which means protection, PROTEGERI will open its two-week exhibit on October 18 at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati. This special project is an initiative by Ayala Foundation in partnership with OFF! for the benefit of Ayala Foundation communities in El Nido, Palawan and Makati.
Together with renowned artists Vito Selma and Solenn Heussaff, Leeroy collaborated with communities and children, breathing new life to discarded objects and everyday waste leveraging salvaged wood, trash paper, and a variety of plastics to take the shape of contemporary art. One of the exhibit highlights is the large collaborative piece inspired by art workshops in the El Nido community. Constructed with upcycled OFF! products including spray bottles and sachets, the three artists demonstrate the power of sustainability, transforming their collaboration into a talisman of protection. Other iconic pieces by Vito Selma and Leeroy New incorporate OFF! products in innovative and unexpected ways, seamlessly weaving OFF!’s story of protection in their work.
Protection is a major theme of the exhibit, taking on layered meanings. Through the support of OFF! repellents, young lives are protected from diseases such as dengue and malaria. By repurposing waste products, the exhibit promotes guardianship of Mother Nature and communities. Lastly, the proceeds of the exhibit will support education initiatives for students in Ayala Foundation communities of El Nido and Makati.
This exhibit is a chance to own a piece of beautiful, sustainable art. Bid on your favorite pieces from October 18 to October 28, 2025, on the PROTEGERI auction portal, and help build a brighter future for our children.

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