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
100 × 150 × 5 cm
Leather
Unique
In After the Storm – Orange, sweeping leather forms overlap in a composition filled with warmth and movement. Deep reds, burnt orange and softer earthy tones evoke leaves caught in the final currents of a storm, moments before stillness returns.
Madelon Uljee is fascinated by natural structures and transformations that are often temporary or easily overlooked. She translates these observations into sculptural wall works that occupy the space between fragility and strength, movement and stillness.
The work is created from high-quality surplus leather from the haute couture and luxury fashion industry. Materials originally intended for luxury bags, footwear and other objects are cut and shaped by hand, becoming one-of-a-kind sculptural forms. Subtle variations in colour and texture remain visible, revealing the character of the leather.
The accompanying leaves expand the movement beyond the central sculpture, creating a composition that can be adapted to a particular wall or interior. Installation within the Netherlands is included.