Michaela Gleave

Michaela Gleave is an Australian artist based on Bediagal/Wangal Country in Sydney. Her diverse artistic practice encompasses installation, performance, photography, sculpture and video. She explores concepts of time, matter, space and the systems that shape our understanding of the world. Her recent public artwork, In another light, commissioned by SCEGGS Darlinghurst, reflects the school community's values of light, growth, and connection, inviting contemplation on both personal and collective journeys.

UAP Curators developed a curatorial framework titled First Light that explores optimism and transformation; Branching Futures, inspired by the enduring presence of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree as a symbol of strength and growth; and Connecting Community, which celebrates the friendships, resilience, and collective experiences that shape life within and beyond the classroom. Developed through close collaboration with artists, stakeholders, the broader school community, curators, designers, and the project manager demonstrate how public art can foster belonging, reflect shared values, and create meaningful cultural connections across generations.

In another light celebrates SCEGGS Darlinghurst as a place of creativity and opportunity, aligning with the school’s motto, “Let Your Light Shine.” Created using infrared photography and layered architectural films, the artwork evokes hidden forms of light and energy, unfolding around the Moreton Bay Fig Tree. The installation’s glass elements respond to changing light conditions, creating a dynamic interplay of colour and reflection that emphasises the evolving nature of learning and connection.

Spanning three levels across six large-scale panes and eight awning windows, Gleave's installation transforms the building into an ever-changing visual experience. Each pane, measuring approximately 2655 x 3050 mm, features a dichroic and printed architectural film to create vibrant colour shifts throughout the day.