Arytipidal Andy Leleisi’uao

Mysterious black and red creatures will come to life, transforming from paintings on the wall into 3D creations, in Andy Leleisi'uao's exhibition Arytipidal.

Leleisi'uao refers to his imaginary creatures as captured 'cryptids', which are creatures that exist although there is no scientific or factual evidence to support their existence – like the Loch Ness Monster, Sasquatch and Yeti.

"Once I've captured these images in my head they are there. Normally they exist in my paintings and drawings only, so this work is experimental as it is the first time I've made them as sculptures," he says.

Auckland-based Leleisi'uao is best known for his paintings. As a New Zealand-born, Samoan artist, his early work was noted for its critique of the social, cultural, and political stereotypes and realities of Samoans in New Zealand. More recently his work has become more playful and it is this angle he is taking in Arytipidal.

"I wanted to share these creatures with people and, although they and the landscape they are in will be black with shades of red, they are not supposed to frighten. They are taking on a life of their own as I make them," says Leleisi'uao.

16 April 2011: Artist Discussion with Clare Fleming and Andy Leleisi'uao

Click to download the exhibition text (PDF)

Presented alongside Colleen Altagracia The Fullness of Empty Pockets and Clare Fleming At once we are rootless and harbouring, floating on an inland sea (I am from here)