Human Nature at Morton Arboretum 4/23/2022
The Morton Arboretum’s outdoor art exhibition, Human+Nature (pronounced: Human Nature), inspires 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 featured in various locations across its 1,700 acres, leading guests to areas they may not have explored before. It is his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
On the East Side, a short walk from the Visitor Center, guests are able to step within a huge female figure, as if into the heart of nature. Continuing along a less than mile-long walk, they 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 extend near a grove of old oaks, and a towering face evokes the interconnectedness of humans and trees. Made of concrete, fiberglass, and steel, each sculpture weighs several metric tons. The largest ground footprint is 28 feet wide and 37 feet long.
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 is included with timed-entry admission to the Arboretum. The exhibition is planned to run through March 2023.
Internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper created five 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures exclusively for the Arboretum featured in various locations across its 1,700 acres, leading guests to areas they may not have explored before. It is his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
Two new large-scale sculptures will be added in June 2022, including one being created to commemorate the Arboretum’s centennial year.