Jesús Hilario-Reyes on DJing, Sculpture, and the Mangrove as Metaphor

Jesús Hilario-Reyes, known as the DJ and anti-disciplinarian artist MORENXXX, explores a unique fusion of sculpture, sound, performance, and expanded cinema in his work. He delves into themes of communal embodiment, nightlife, and the contrast between light and dark, drawing inspiration from his Puerto Rican roots, particularly through motifs of hurricanes and mangroves. His recent contribution to the Fade group exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem, running until September 6th, features an Osprey call manipulated by an LFO and influenced by seismic club activity, resulting in a tranquil soundscape. Hilario-Reyes views DJing as a form of extended poetry, showcasing technical prowess, including a spiral FX technique learned from Honey Dijon. He incorporates found objects and metalwork into his sculptures, influenced by the layered fencing of Santurce, Puerto Rico, and currently prefers steel for its evolving rust patina. His narrative-driven sets, primarily techno but versatile, often take place from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. at locations like Nowadays, where he finds enchantment in fog machines as a means of embracing darkness.