Currently on view at Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is artist Haley Manchon's delightful solo exhibition, "Clyde's Adventure."

In "Clyde's Adventure," Manchon presents a new collection of layered drawings created by using multiple sheets of Dura-Lar, a type of archival polyester film. This method, she tells Arch Enemy Arts, affords her a high level of control over texture and color, “and the shallow depth created from its frosted surface allows certain elements to emerge and recede.”

The effect is stunning. Manchon’s delicate shading looks like velvet and her fine linework, rich color, and attention to light make her images seem to glow. Whereas much of Manchon’s recent drawings have consisted of hyperreal portraiture, for this series, she’s chosen to employ her masterful technique on one original, episodic character—Clyde—whom she first sketched nearly a decade ago. Clyde, with his button eyes, white gloves, and oversized shoes, recalls vintage black-and-white animation. A gentle ghost beneath a jack-o-lantern mask, Clyde is tender and bashful yet eager to belong. Building his world, Manchon takes a playful and heartwarming approach to supernatural storytelling—she tells us Clyde’s greatest fear is being feared.

“This is the first time I’ve created a cohesive series for Clyde, whose story has been difficult to pin down. In recent years, my portraiture and figurative drawings have become more personal, speaking to an anxiety and a desire to understand the world around me. Clyde’s story is very much about the same thing. Clyde understands that spirits are something inherently scary, and his solution is to mask himself to be accepted. As Clyde wanders the forest, he befriends lost and lonely souls, bringing them along for the ride. He makes costumes, plays hide-and-seek, holds tea parties and fosters a community. He’s making the most of his afterlife, and I think in time, as the story develops, Clyde will feel just as comfortable with his mask off as he is with it on.” - Haley Manchon

Haley Manchon (b. 1996) is based in the Philadelphia area and received her BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in 2018. A 2026 recipient of multiple art prizes by Beautiful Bizarre and Supersonic Art, she tells us, “Each year I find myself driven more and more just to see what I can create. If I can make work that is authentic and honest, explore themes I care about, and maintain a healthy balance, I’m happy.” Haley Manchon began showing with Arch Enemy Arts after submitting to their Spotlight Showcase in 2020, and "Clyde's Adventure" is her debut feature with the gallery.