The definition of Carapace is the hard upper shell of a tortoise, crustacean or arachnid.  The sculpture is aptly titled as it resembles an armour or shield covering as protection, or possibly as an vestment of intimidation as the viewer perceives the heaving bulbous shape of the vest. Even more interesting is that this gear was actually a design musician and songwriter Lady Gaga chose and commissioned the artist to create for her in silicone, for her cover album and video “Marry The Night”.

Jan Leeroy New is a sculptor and installation artist gaining widespread recognition in Manila and numerous other countries worldwide. His works are commonly provocative and consistently disposed to mythological forms and sci-fi figures.

His innate skill was recognized early in his career and since finishing formal education, he has been receiving international grants and producing various commissioned works. His most recent accolade was becoming the recipient of the 2009 Ateneo Art Awards – La Trobe University Visual Arts Center Residency Grant for his work in the Singapore Biennale of 2008, Teratoma II: War of the Worlds. New is also the recipient of the 2009 Ateneo Art Awards and was hosted by Artesan as one of its resident artists, in line with the Artesan-Ateneo Art Gallery Awards Residency Program.