A seedpod’s skeleton stands before us. This is Refuge. It is a sculpture by Korban and Flaubert. The Refuge sculpture offers more than meets the eye.
Refuge is located on Windsor Street in Paddington. It is crafted from stainless steel. The artists Korban and Flaubert are local. They have backgrounds in architecture design art psychology and metalwork. They worked together in Germany experimenting with metal. In 1995 they established their Sydney workshop.
Refuge is a diagram of a seedpod. It is a symbol of protection growth and propagation. The seed is gone. Only an evocative husk remains. The form has eroded over time. It was once a home a safe space for growth. Refuge is a metaphor for our homes. It represents our safe spaces.
The sculpture’s memories shape the life grown within it. Forgotten hollows and a remnant skeleton remain. The outline is elusive abstract and expressive.
Metal is treasure from the earth. It is valuable ductile and lustrous. This lustre gives it a sense of inner life. It gives it a sense of contained energy. This contained energy is the starting point. The artists explore metal objects as artefacts. They are lost truncated and contain memories.
Sue deBeranger suggested the sculpture for this location. She thought one of their sculptures might suit the location. The vacant concrete plinth was in front of them. Refuge immediately came to mind. Sue recommended it to the Windsor Street committee. The Woollahra Council liked the idea. Maria Lacey the Public Art Coordinator presented it to the Public Art Panel. Paul Hopmeier coordinated the installation.
The pocket park is a natural meeting place. It is for locals and visitors in Paddington. Tall trees shade the area. They create a leafy proscenium for the sculpture. Refuge is based on seedpod forms seen throughout Paddington.
The shady location contrasts with the polished metal. It allows the seedpod form to pop out and shine. Trees filter sunlight. Light and shadows dance over the metal surface. This animates it. It gives it variation in appearance during the day. The scale of the Refuge sculpture suits the space.
The artists lived and worked nearby for 27 years. Their studio was around the corner on Hargrave Street for 6 years. The local people have been welcoming. It is wonderful to leave a memento in Paddington.
The first feedback came from a local 2 year old. He patted Refuge. He shouted Amazing. Several neighbours checked it out. They were pretty enthusiastic. There has been positive feedback on Instagram too. Refuge is on loan courtesy of the artists.
So next time you pass by take a moment. Consider the seedpod’s journey. Consider its refuge. Remember the artists’ dedication. Reflect on our own safe spaces.