RECONSTRUCTED BOABABS (2021–2022)

Reconstructed Baobabs is a continuation of my work with plastic and wire structures constructed largely from melted and whole recycled bottle tops, developing the theme of artificial materials to form “organic” objects from “rocks” to “trees”.

 

The baobab is highly symbolic of survival and resilience in the face of punishing, arid climates and an iconic southern African tree. In the world of natural science, following on from Darwin’s Tree of Life, it is of particular interest to botanists as a form of evolution related inextricably to the specific regions in which it grows. Furthermore, despite appearing completely “dead”, various parts of the tree can be harvested and have high nutrient value.

 

The work takes the form of baobab as a starting point and then develops it in new directions; for example, the “branches” can also be read as chains, looping and binding.

 

Re-imagining these ancient trees in plastic juxtaposes their well-known resilience with the pollution of the earth and its long-lasting impact, all the more poignant in the face of the looming climate catastrophe.