UAP

James & Eleanor Avery with UAP Studio | 'Lucky Dip' - The Darling Hotel, Sydney

James and Eleanor Avery are a British‐born collaborative based in Brisbane, Australia. Their collaborations which have appeared across the globe including Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia, exist at the interface of sculpture and installation, drawing on architectural sensibilities and historical references to realise ambitious works that explore the dislocated layers of order and disorder within contemporary culture. Their works conflate concerns within contemporary culture with historical notes, drawing on a sci‐fi aesthetic.

The Avery’s commission for The Star in Sydney is a suspended 3.5m² vibrant red Swallow which will greet guests at the entrance to The Star complex’s soon to be opened five star boutique hotel, The Darling Hotel.

Titled Lucky Dip, the gracious bird is formed by over 400 individual facets and is carrying two diamonds in the shape of the cheeky ‘double cherry’ symbol.

“Our understanding is that a major focus of the development is the regeneration of the site, making it once again a vibrant and energized space. The artwork we have proposed respond to this concept of ‘regeneration’ through the sculptural representation of vital life forms and positive symbolism,” Eleanor Avery said.

“The swallow is a symbol of hope, fertility and the renewal of life. Our swallow is carrying in its beak two diamonds, on a cherry‐like stem which symbolises love, excellence, purity, strength, power and brilliance,” James Avery added.

James and Eleanor Avery are represented by Ryan Renshaw Gallery.

Project: The Star

Artist: James & Eleanor Avery

Client: Echo Entertainment

Location: Sydney, Australia

Curatorial: UAP curatorial team; Jodie Cox, Simone Manwarring

Design: UAP Studio; Amanda Harris, Andre Venter

Fabrication: UAP workshop

Architects: Cox Richardson, DBI Design

Developer: Brookfield Multiplex

Photography: Danielle Harrigan

Initial Concept Sketch by James & Eleanor Avery. Image courtesy of the artists.

3D Concept render by Rachel See, UAP Studio. Image © UAP

First stage of assembly at UAP Studio. Image © UAP

Head UAP pattern maker Jerko Starcevic begins welding 'Lucky Dips' tail at UAP Studio. Image © UAP

'Lucky Dip' begins to take shape. Image © UAP

UAP Studio's workshop team attaching the wings to 'Lucky Dip'. Image © UAP

Echo Entertainment inspection at UAP Studio. Image © UAP

The painted wings are attached to the body. Image © UAP

The sculptures body drying after the paint finish is applied. Image © UAP