Some trees on the Vredenburgplein in Utrecht had been cut down. I planted a new tree on a remaining stump and let it shape the world in an Escher-like way. Naturally, Adam and Eve came to mind.
The tree forms the backdrop for stores and is itself absorbed by them: paradise becomes a shopping paradise.
Without knowing whether it would accomplish anything, I specifically went to the square at a quiet moment when I read in the newspaper that some of its trees had been cut down -- I wanted to take a picture of that, without visitors standing around.
First I 'put' a new tree there, then I thought of making it the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and having the world created from the tree.
Although working as a lyrical chronicler, sometimes I see things that are not there; I photograph and edit them.
Recurring elements are: carved mannequins (humanoids) and anonymous 19th century paintings. Working from 100cm I come to sign (Nl only)...
Read more…