Human+Nature Exhibit at Morton Arboretum

The Human+Nature (pronounced: Human Nature) exhibit will inspire awe and wonder as it connects people and trees. Internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper created five 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures exclusively for the Arboretum that will be featured in various locations across its 1,700 acres, leading guests to areas they may not have explored before. It will be his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.

On the East Side, a short walk from the Visitor Center, guests will be able to step within a huge female figure, as if into the heart of nature. Continuing along a less than mile-long walk, they will encounter a majestic maternal figure as tall as a tree, and a sculpture of diverse human facial traits interwoven with root structures. On the West Side, two hands joined by intertwining roots will extend near a grove of old oaks, and a towering face will evoke the interconnectedness of humans and trees. Made of concrete, fiberglass, and steel, each sculpture will weigh several metric tons. The largest ground footprint will be 28 feet wide and 37 feet long.

New Sculptures Just Added:

Ginkgo, an 8-foot-tall sculpture in Arbor Court near the Visitor Center, is inspired by Arboretum founder Joy Morton’s observation that, “The Arboretum is a ginkgo, and a ginkgo it shall remain.” As one of Morton’s favorite trees, the ginkgo is the last living species of an order that emerged more than 290 million years ago, a fitting reference to the Arboretum as it enters its second century. The sculpture is made of steel and cast aluminum with 100 ginkgo leaves framing a pensive face to represent 100 years since the Arboretum’s founding.

Ephemera, a 12-foot-tall sculpture adorning Bulb Meadow near the Maple Collection on the East Side, calls attention to nature’s sound with gramophone-like daffodil ears inviting guests to listen and observe the fleeting beauty of each passing season. The sculpture is made of concrete, fiberglass and steel.

Mycelia (pronounced mai-seh-lee-uh), at just over 12-feet tall, the stark-white, fungi-inspired sculpture situated in a secluded wooded area near Lake Marmo on the West Side, highlights what the artist calls the “neurological network of nature.” The sculpture is made of concrete, fiberglass and steel, and is named for the rootlike structure of fungus generally found underground.

Trees have the power to refresh and restore people, to connect them to the natural world. People rely on trees for clean air to breathe, shade to cool, and beauty that can bring joy and relaxation, among many other benefits. In turn, trees need people to care for them if they are to thrive and share their benefits, especially in a changing climate. Guests are invited to reimagine their relationships with trees as they explore these expressive large-scale artworks while also enjoying the outdoors and the trees of The Morton Arboretum.

Human+Nature will be included with Arboretum admission.

About the Artist
Daniel Popper is a multidisciplinary Cape Town artist known globally for his larger-than-life sculptures and spectacular public art installations. He is most acclaimed for his massive public art installations, including the memorial sculpture for the Nelson Mandela School of Science and Technology in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and sculptures for popular events such as the Boom Festival in Portugal and Rainbow Serpent Festival in Australia. Human+Nature will be his largest display to date.