Louis Morlæ

The practice of the London-based visual artist Louis Morlæ operates at the intersection between two modes of creativity: that of industrial automation and manufacture, and that of character-driven narrative. The result is work which looks not to a distant and abstracted future, but to the furthest and most tantalising edges of what might be possible within the current moment. Seamlessly integrating video and sculpture, he uses game-engine rendered animation to bring his android-like figures—designed using CAD, and then 3D printed in component parts with PLA plastic, aluminium, steel and SLA resin—to life. His in-depth, multimedia worldbuilding explores our cultural and social engagement with tech, the metaverse, and the digital realm from a perspective on continuing technological advancement that is neither wholly utopian or dystopian. Morlæ’s works share not only a distinctive visual sensibility, but an invented reality, in which identifiably of-the-moment signifiers like Balenciaga trainers brush up against science-fictional, lightly surrealist future technology.

b. 1992, Melbourne, Australia
Lives and works in London

Education
2014

BFA, Manchester School of Art, Manchester

2023

MFA, Royal Academy of Arts, London

Solo & Two-Person Exhibitions
2025

Rose Easton, London (forthcoming)

2024

Aut-OOO-Arcadia, Somerset House, London (forthcoming)

Purgatorio, Liste Art Fair, Basel

2023

All Watched Over by Emissaries of Loving Grace, Duarte Sequeira, Braga, Portugal

2022

Press (with Lucas Dupuy), Final Hot Desert, Isle of Sheppey

Machinochrome Dreams, Rose Easton, London

2018

Bubblegum Tung, Asylum Studios, Suffolk

Behold a figure, Serpentine, Soft Opening, London

Group Exhibitions
2024

SL x RE, Silke Lindner, New York

2020

Fight or Flight, Roman Road at The Columbia, London

2019

Grot, Horse Hospital, London

2018

28th December 1980, Asylum Studios, Suffolk

Awards & Grants
2023

The Keeper’s Prize

Collections
2024

The Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK

SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

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SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Goblin Module, 2021, PLA, silicone, calico, resin, steel, video (10 minutes), 105 x 105 x 30 cm

Louis Morlæ, Goblin Module, 2021, PLA, silicone, calico, resin, steel, video (10 minutes), 105 x 105 x 30 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Goblin Module, 2021 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Goblin Module, 2021 (alternative view)

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SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

SL × RE (New York), Silke Lindner, 28 June – 2 August 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024, PLA, acrylic, sand, filler, resin, nylon, 110 x 52 x 36 cm (43 ¼ x 20 ½ x 14 ⅛ in)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024, PLA, acrylic, sand, filler, resin, nylon, 110 x 52 x 36 cm (43 ¼ x 20 ½ x 14 ⅛ in)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Sower, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024, PLA, acrylic, sand, filler, resin, nylon, rope, 103 x 53 x 37 cm (40 ½ x 20 ⅞ x 14 ⅝ in)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024, PLA, acrylic, sand, filler, resin, nylon, rope, 103 x 53 x 37 cm (40 ½ x 20 ⅞ x 14 ⅝ in)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Haywain Reaper, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024, PLA, filler, acrylic, sand, nylon, 77 x 164 x 47 cm (30 ¼ x 64 ⅝ x 18 ½ in)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024, PLA, filler, acrylic, sand, nylon, 77 x 164 x 47 cm (30 ¼ x 64 ⅝ x 18 ½ in)

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, St Anthony’s Revenge, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024, CNC wood, PLA, filler, acrylic, 24 x 91 x 31 cm (9 ½ x 35 ⅞ x 12 ¼ in)

Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024, CNC wood, PLA, filler, acrylic, 24 x 91 x 31 cm (9 ½ x 35 ⅞ x 12 ¼ in)

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Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Face of a Tosher, 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024, PLA, acrylic, nylon, filler, 77 x 86 x 80 cm (30 ¼ x 33 ⅞ x 31 ½ in)

Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024, PLA, acrylic, nylon, filler, 77 x 86 x 80 cm (30 ¼ x 33 ⅞ x 31 ½ in)

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Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, The Beggar (Gaberlunzie), 2024 (detail)

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Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Louis Morlæ, Purgatorio, Booth 4, Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

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Louis Morlæ, Vvolmar, 2023, Acrylic, steel, PLA, silicone, lime, resin, rope, copper, LED, arduino, 175 x 50 x 50 cm

Louis Morlæ, Vvolmar, 2023, Acrylic, steel, PLA, silicone, lime, resin, rope, copper, LED, arduino, 175 x 50 x 50 cm

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Louis Morlæ, RA Schools Show, The Royal Academy of Arts, London, 8 – 25 June 2023

Louis Morlæ, RA Schools Show, The Royal Academy of Arts, London, 8 – 25 June 2023

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Louis Morlæ, O.G.U. (One God Universe), 2023, PLA, paint, filler, lime, hologram fan, 151 x 180 x 27 cm

Louis Morlæ, O.G.U. (One God Universe), 2023, PLA, paint, filler, lime, hologram fan, 151 x 180 x 27 cm

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Louis Morlæ, O.G.U. (One God Universe), 2023 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, O.G.U. (One God Universe), 2023 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Tek, 2023, Resin, PLA, silver coin spinner (made in collaboration with The Royal Mint), copper, steel, 27 x 21 x 30 cm

Louis Morlæ, Tek, 2023, Resin, PLA, silver coin spinner (made in collaboration with The Royal Mint), copper, steel, 27 x 21 x 30 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Ekstasia & 6 Last Things, 2023, 4K Video, 19 minutes, 45 seconds

Louis Morlæ, Ekstasia & 6 Last Things, 2023, 4K Video, 19 minutes, 45 seconds

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Missing caption

Louis Morlæ, All Watched Over by Emissaries of Loving Grace, Duarte Sequeira, 21 January – 22 April 2023

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Louis Morlæ, Scivias, 2023, PLA, Nylon, Resin, Steel bracket, 160 x 96 x 65 cm

Louis Morlæ, Scivias, 2023, PLA, nylon, resin, steel bracket, 160 x 96 x 65 cm

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Louis Morlæ Scivias, 2023 (alternative view)

Louis Morlæ, Scivias, 2023 (alternative view)

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Louis Morlæ, Kline, 2023, PLA, Nylon, Resin, 154 x 180 x 44 cm

Louis Morlæ, Kline, 2023, PLA, Nylon, Resin, 154 x 180 x 44 cm

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Missing caption

Louis Morlæ, Rexx, 2023, PLA, steel, resin, silicone, 180 x 57 x 140 cm

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Missing caption

Louis Morlæ, Llunexodrome, 2023, PLA, Nylon, Resin, 5" HD Screen, Media Player, 180 x 57 x 32 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Drumblade, 2023, TPU Inflatable, PLA, nylon, resin, wadding, 140 x 120 x 120 cm

Louis Morlæ, Drumblade, 2023, TPU Inflatable, PLA, nylon, resin, wadding, 140 x 120 x 120 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Rexx Rake, 2023PLA, nylon, 160 x 30 cm

Louis Morlæ, Rexx Rake, 2023PLA, nylon, 160 x 30 cm

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Missing caption

Louis Morlæ, All Watched Over by Emissaries of Loving Grace, Duarte Sequeira, 21 January – 22 April 2023

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Louis Morlæ, Nexus, 2022, PLA, nylon, 100 x 42 x 13 cm

Louis Morlæ, Nexus, 2022, PLA, nylon, 100 x 42 x 13 cm

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Final Hot Desert

Press, Final Hot Desert, Isle of Sheppey, August 2, 2022

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Louis Morlæ, Homer Console (In Blue), 2022, PLA, acrylic, 128 x 87 x 32 cm

Louis Morlæ, Homer Console (In Blue), 2022, PLA, acrylic, 128 x 87 x 32 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Homer Console (Unwrapped), 2022, PLA, nylon, calico, steel, 183 x 150 x 32 cm

Louis Morlæ, Homer Console (Unwrapped), 2022, PLA, nylon, calico, steel, 183 x 150 x 32 cm

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Machinochrome Dreams, Rose Easton, 15 January – 20 February 2022

Machinochrome Dreams, Rose Easton, 15 January – 20 February 2022

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Louis Morlæ, Ecce in Semper Aeternum, 2022, HD video, stereo sound, 21 minutes, 21 seconds

Louis Morlæ, Ecce in Semper Aeternum, 2022, HD video, stereo sound, 21 minutes, 21 seconds

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Louis Morlæ, Alpha, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, glass, aluminium, 195 × 65 × 23 cm

Louis Morlæ, Alpha, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, glass, aluminium, 195 × 65 × 23 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Ferme, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, steel, 205 × 65 × 23 cm

Louis Morlæ, Ferme, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, steel, 205 × 65 × 23 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Ecce, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, steel, resin, calico, 205 × 70 × 27 cm

Louis Morlæ, Ecce, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, steel, resin, calico, 205 × 70 × 27 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Iodah, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, resin, calico, 215 × 80 × 27 cm

Louis Morlæ, Iodah, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, resin, calico, 215 × 80 × 27 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Jumbo, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, resin, calico, 200 × 90 × 27 cm

Louis Morlæ, Jumbo, 2022, PLA, silicone, nylon, resin, calico, 200 × 90 × 27 cm

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Louis Morlæ, Jumbo, 2022 (detail)

Louis Morlæ, Jumbo, 2022 (detail)

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