Urban Cave

Presented by Liberty Place and curated and produced by aMBUSH Gallery, this installation titled ‘Urban Cave’ breathes new life into the area, offering a unique visual journey for visitors.

Lesjak-Atton’s sculptures stand as abstract stalagmites, their bold forms and vibrant palette celebrating the emotive power of colour. Each piece is a testament to the artist’s exploration of form and emotion, inviting viewers to interpret and experience the works in their own unique way.

In this series, Lesjak-Atton explores the interplay between physical presence and emotional resonance, drawing on the sculptures’ undulating contours and striking chromatic arrangements. The works are intentionally ambiguous, designed to elicit different interpretations and emotional responses, while emphasising the urban cave-like atmosphere of the space.

The artist’s creative process is as intriguing as the final products. Each sculpture begins as layers of cut plywood, meticulously laminated and fixed before being carved with an angle grinder and specialised attachments. The forms are then primed and painted with durable exterior acrylic paints, ensuring both visual impact and longevity.

This layered approach not only results in visually striking pieces but also invites contemplation on the transformation of materials and the interplay between form, function, and aesthetic experience. The use of exterior acrylics ensures that the sculptures are also resilient, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The ‘Urban Cave’ installation is part of a larger artistic initiative at Liberty Place, which also includes hoarding artworks by Wayne Quilliam and enhanced lighting, collectively transforming the area into a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Sydney.

This project represents an exciting collaboration between aMBUSH Gallery and James Lesjak-Atton, showcasing the gallery’s commitment to bringing innovative and impactful art to public spaces.

On display for the duration of Liberty Place’s redevelopment, this community-focused endeavour injects vibrancy into the urban landscape, providing Sydneysiders with a free, world-class placemaking venture and an impressive talking point that celebrates the power of public art.