Press Release

ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL presents Thy Will Be Done, a solo exhibition by Leslie de CHAVEZ on view from 1 May to 20 June 2026. This exhibition marks the artist’s first solo presentation in Korea in a decade, following The Sleep of Reason, held at ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL in 2016. Featuring approximately 15 works across diverse media—including painting, video, and installation—the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the artist’s multifaceted practice. Leslie de CHAVEZ has consistently explored the complex social and historical contexts of his native Philippines, addressing themes such as cultural imperialism, colonial history, contemporary life, and the contradictions of political and religious systems. By deconstructing and reassembling symbolic imagery, text, and signs that define an era, he employs incisive metaphors to reveal the unvarnished realities and underlying conditions of contemporary society. The works presented in this exhibition illuminate the intersections of various cultural, social, and political forces shaping not only the Philippines today but also the broader global landscape.

Installation Views

Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.
Exhibition view: Leslie De Chavez, Leslie de CHAVEZ: Thy Will Be Done, Arario Gallery, Seoul (1 May–20 June 2026). Courtesy Arario Gallery.

Selected Works

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About the Artist

Manila-born Filipino artist Leslie de Chavez is a young artist who cautiously deals with sensitive subjects like Imperialism and the colonial history and religion of his country. He is also an artist who contemplates deeply about the function, influence and directivity of art in a society. Recognized for his distinguished talent and sensibility in painting, the artist casts a bitter metaphor on the society he lives in, suggesting a response to reality through reconstructing the icons and symbols of the times. Lesley de Chavez’s value system about society and art is firm and clear. He invites introspection on reality through works that reflect hard work and passion, and stand apart in the world of contemporary art that overflows with visually appealing work without conceptual content.

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Also Exhibiting at Arario Gallery

About the Gallery

ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL opened its doors in Sogyeok-dong in 2006. Since then, it has established its foothold as a leading contemporary art gallery in Korea and across Asia, continuing to be at the forefront of the international art scene through its efficient representation system and bold exhibitions. In March 2014, ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL relocated near the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. In April 2018, ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL RYSE HOTEL, a second exhibition space in Seoul, opened in the Hongdae area. Running concurrently with its primary location until November 2019, the project space aimed to mirror the experimental spirit of the neighbourhood through its innovative programming. In 2022, ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL ended its Sogyeok-dong era. However, the various experimentation and ventures carried out in the gallery’s previous spaces continue to shape its future at its current location in Wonseo-dong, which reopened in February 2023. Through the preemptive discovery of young artists, steady support of represented artists, and the realisation of meaningful and original exhibitions, ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL aims to continually grow and contribute to the growth of the contemporary art scene in Korea.

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Seoul 85, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu
Arario Gallery
85, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday
11am – 6pm
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