LARGER THAN LIFE

Following his recent collaboration with Porsche and exhibition at Singapore Art Week, Scottish digital artist and autophile CHRIS LABROOY gives us an insight into his art.

- NAFEESA SAINI

Visitors to Gardens by the Bay during early this year's Singapore Art Week would not have missed a massive sculpture of a race car driver in the marque's iconic Signal Yellow. Named Dream Big, the 3.5m-tall artwork was a striking sight in the foreground of the Supertrees, emerging from the concrete with a hand playfully pushing a real-life white Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

The installation is the brainchild of digital artist Chris Labrooy and was commissioned for Porsche's global The Art of Dream initiative, which returned to Singapore for a second edition this year. Aside from Dream Big, his digital artworks featuring the manufacture's sportscars were also displayed at Mandala Club.

Himself a Porsche fan and owner, Labrooy is known for his imaginative 3D renderings with surreal twists on everyday objects. His dreamy yet subversive compositions incorporate CGI, merging architecture, visual art and typography. We catch up with the artist to talk about his creative process and passion for cars.

Describe yourself as an artist.

I would like to think I am versatile. I can easily spend days playing and experimenting with my art and process. At the other end of the spectrum, I can be quite focused if I know I have to deliver a commission and fulfil certain criteria. I think that is the designer in me. I always like to think of myself as an artist and a designer.