What is freedom to you?

This is what artist Leeroy New, a rising star in the art world, wants the audience viewing his 30-foot art installation to contemplate and answer.

Freedom should come from the people, without having to rely on sponsored images of freedomthat is what the installation is all about, Leeroy said in a chance interview with GMA News Online.

New's installation, launched on Independence Day, stands near the monument of Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila.

The structure's design mirrors the heroic monument, even if its elements do not promise the same permanencea basic scaffolding made of metal poles, draped in colored plastic behind which television sets displayed different people answering the question, Paano ka naging Malaya?

We had to make use of materials that we were able to source, what is available to us, Leeroy said.

A performance by the Sipat Lawin dance group was also showcased as part of the installationfor Leeroy, important to better convey the message to the audience.

We wanted to create a structure that allowed the audience and participants to contemplate this idea of freedom, with the help of the performers, the video, the structure itselfwhich is a direct reference to the Rizal monumentand the location itself, he said.

He explained that while the installation is a re-articulation of the heroic monument, the industrial design should steer the structure away from intimidation.

More:

Freedom as seen through a metal framework