Bringing Art into the Home, Harrison Urby’s Eclectic Display

Creativity and self-expression is important at Urby. Our communal spaces and amenity areas often highlight eye-catching works of art for both residents and the general public to enjoy. From abstract murals to hanging sculptures and spray paintings, interesting art can be found around every corner.

At Harrisons’ lobby you will find a striking piece from renowned South African artist and designer Porky Hefer. Hanging from the ceiling is a sculpture resembling an abstract human face that is weaved in wicker, with an opening at the mouth. Inside of the mouth, a comfortable leather cushion can be found. It invites the observer inside to lay down, creating the illusion of a hanging tongue.

Known for his harmonious blend of craftsmanship, functionality and sustainability, Hefers’ work has a deep connection to nature. His work challenges traditional notions of art and design, while also encouraging viewers to explore new dimensions of creativity and environmental consciousness.

Fascinated by the reactions and energy a piece can generate in space, Hefer embraces Africa and the skills and methods that are readily available locally, rather than trying to emulate foreign processes. Hefer’s work also ensures that age-old skills are preserved and kept relevant in a modern age by making use of traditional techniques that focus on handcrafting rather than machine production.

Stepping across the street to another Harrison Urby building, you will find a sprawling mural by Belgian-born artist Adele Renault. Stretching over 53 feet long and 20 feet tall, Renault’s multicolored bird feather themed mural welcomes you into the building with a calming color palette of purple, green and white. The realism of each feather shows the patience and attention to detail that Renault puts into her work.

Renault is a contemporary artist known for her unique and captivating art style that focuses primarily on hyper-realistic and larger-than-life avian themes, such as portraits of pigeons and birds more generally. Her work focuses on nature's relationship with city life. She uses scale and the juxtaposition of the natural world against urban landscapes to make a powerful statement about the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Renault’s feathery mural poetically relates to themes found at Harrison Urby that creates safe nests for residents to thrive in.

Artistic moments can be found throughout Harrison Urby. By continually adding layers of intriguing and thought-provoking art, residents can enjoy snapshots of artistic brilliance throughout their daily life.