Madelon Uljee
Contemporary leather sculptures
Madelon Uljee creates sculptural leather works inspired by the hidden structures found in nature. Under the name Architectural Flora, she translates details such as leaf veins, droplets and organic patterns into abstract forms that range from intimate wall pieces to larger site-responsive installations.
More about contemporary artist Madelon Uljee
Working primarily with leather, Madelon Uljee develops each sculpture through an intuitive, material-led process. Rather than following fixed sketches, she explores how folding, tension, colour and surface can transform the material into layered organic forms. This approach gives every sculpture its own rhythm and presence.
Light plays an important role in how the works are experienced. As it moves across the leather, shadows deepen, contours become more pronounced and subtle variations in the surface emerge. The sculptures shift throughout the day, creating an active relationship with the space around them.
Alongside autonomous sculptures, Uljee creates larger site-responsive works in dialogue with a particular setting. Scale, colour and composition can be developed in relation to the architecture while retaining the distinctive visual language of her practice. These works range from sculptural interventions for private residences to commissions for hospitality and corporate environments.
Through Architectural Flora, Uljee magnifies natural details that often escape our attention. Leaf veins, droplets and cellular patterns become the starting point for contemporary leather sculptures that move between abstraction, nature and architecture.
Interested in a larger work or a site-specific commission? We are happy to discuss the possibilities and advise on a work suited to your project or space.
Recently, we asked Madelon to tell us more about her practice. Read the interview here.
By Madelon Uljee
80 × 100 × 5 cm
Leather
Unique
In After the Storm, Madelon Uljee translates the movement of windblown leaves into a sculptural wall work. Made from reclaimed leather sourced from the high fashion industry, the work explores nature’s ability to renew itself after disruption.
Leaves are torn from branches and carried by the wind, while the tree remains, preparing for new growth. Uljee captures this movement through the folds, curves and textures of leather. Separate leaves extend beyond the central sculpture, carrying the composition across the wall.
Her choice of material connects the subject of renewal with the way the work is made. Leather remnants from fashion production become the basis for a new artwork, retaining their tactile qualities while taking on organic forms. This relationship between nature and material reuse gives After the Storm both its subject and its physical character.
Root Gallery delivers and installs the work in your home within the Netherlands, arranging the sculpture and accompanying loose leaves to suit the wall and surrounding space.