About trees

En savoir plus sur le livre

Peter Fischer and his team have curated around 100 works for an exhibition and accompanying volume that explore the multifaceted symbolism of trees in art. From Berlinde De Bruyckere's massive, rag-wrapped stumps to Peter Doig's oil painting of a sparse forest with a Corbusier building, each piece presents the tree as a complex motif. These artworks invite contemplation on existence, revealing trees as symbols, mirrors, and projections of life and death. Unlike natural sciences and religion, art poses questions rather than providing answers, allowing for deeper exploration of humanity's relationship with nature. Robert Macfarlane notes that viewing the world from a tree can evoke a sense of liberation and safety, blending the identities of tree and man. As Fischer highlights, trees symbolize imaginary and actual worlds, often speaking in fairy tales and shaping their environments. They serve as landmarks, bearing witness to history and hosting celebrations. This exhibition features artists such as Carlos Amorales, Louise Bourgeois, Anselm Kiefer, and many others, showcasing how trees can inspire clashes and connections between nature and culture. The exhibition took place at Zentrum Paul Klee Bern from October 17, 2015, to January 24, 2016.