1
Immediate Response:
The fact that the older tree is broken makes this piece really special in my eyes. It is resting on the younger tree. It reminds me of the life cycle where the younger generation starts taking the control and takes care of the older generations. It also triggers the idea of support. The fact that the younger tree has most of its branches broken suggests a very strong storm; perhaps reflecting an economic crisis or another sort for man kind.
On the other hand the characteristic of wood are applied to steel in the fracture point with great detail. In addition to that the detail in form for the upper part of the tree makes me believe that he wants the audience to focus on the rapture and above rather than the base.
Objective Description:
The roots of the trees are not emphasized. The choice of material is also very dramatic, industrial level high carbon steel pipes are welded together to form a very organic shape. One can see the industrial baseline is secured with oversized bolts and screwed to the concrete foundation. It is clear that he doesn’t aim to hide the’ imperfections’ or inorganic forms where it connects to the ground. On the other hand the detail level increases significantly after the fracture point. Both younger and older tree are well polished, it creates an unusual affect with shades of the tree. The tips of the branches don’t seem as shiny unless there is a sharp light. The younger tree has much fewer branches and it seems that most of them are broken.
Craftspersonship:
Industrial level steel pipes and wires are masterfully welded. The thinner parts of the tree were made from thinner tubes or wires and Mr. Paine bent the thinner branches in order to create an organic form. The level of detail in the fracture point points out that there must have been some sort of casting. He masterfully imitates the organic flow of a tree. However he doesn’t pursue an organic form in the base. I think having a more organic form for the base would have been a good decision since it reunites the form tip to base.
Material Choice:
He uses steel as the material. Both tree and the steel are originated form earth so he might be transforming the inorganic qualities of steel into an organic one via imposing organic forms. In addition to that the steel is much more durable than wood so it enhances the work of art to be exhibited outside. Even though, the sculpture is really heavy (3.5 tons) the form is really slender.
Context:
The art work is exhibited in a public space very close to a modern art museum. I think that is the perfect location since it still resembles the museum but it is in a free space with no boundaries or rules. One is free to experience the details and physical properties of the sculpture without any consent. On the other hand, it may be due to the concern to exhibit the sculpture with real trees. By doing so the artist may be aiming to emphasize the contrast between the material properties. On the contrary, the size of the art work and the logistics might have been a major limitation for the project to be exhibited inside.
*I have found the info from http://www.roxypaine.com