Gwon Osang, Yamaha 2008. Courtesy Arario Gallery, Seoul

A sculpture of musician Graham Massey of the Manchester electronic dance music pioneers 808 State has been unveiled for the launch of the UK’s first Asian Triennial of Contemporary Art.

As part of Asia Triennial Manchester 08, Manchester Art Gallery has commissioned the new sculpture, called Yamaha, from Korean artist, Gwon Osang.

Gwon makes extraordinary life-size sculptures of people using hundreds of photographic images to build up the surface appearance of his models, including their face, hair and clothes. The process results in meticulously crafted figures that have both photo-realist and surreal qualities.

The sculpture will be exhibited to the public from April 5, alongside an existing work by Gwon Osang called Control together with two large robotic sculptures by another Korean artist, Choe U-ram.

Musician Graham Massey with Yamaha by Gwon Osang. Gwon Osang, Yamaha 2008. Courtesy Arario Gallery, Seoul

“These sculptures demonstrate the gallery’s ongoing commitment to bring the work of international artists to new audiences in the UK,” said Councillor Mike Amesbury, Assistant Executive Member for Arts and Leisure at Manchester City Council.

Taking in galleries and outdoor sites right across the city, Asia Triennial Manchester 08 runs from April 5 to June 1 2008 and will feature fresh and innovative work that represents the best of contemporary visual art from Asia. See www.asiatriennialmanchester.com for more information.

Manchester Art Gallery will present a major exhibition of work by Gwon Osang from June 21 to September 21. Deodorant Type: Sculptures by Gwon Osang will provide an opportunity to see further examples of the artist’s work.