Feeding from the Tree of Knowledge
‘Monument for a Lichen’, a tribute to an underappreciated lifeform.
2020, a monumental bronze sculpture 3,0 x 3,2 x 4,75 m attached to an artificial rock of fibre infused pigmented architectonical concrete of 2,5 x 2,5 x 0,95 m – that surmounts an artificial elevation/ sloping lounging hill (approx. 20 x 11 x 2 m ) inserted in the landscaping design to form the centre of the new park scape of the Clock Axis. Campus Ås, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway, commissioned by KORO, Norway.
The work Feeding from the Tree of Knowledge takes a lichen found on the bark of Tuntreet as a starting point. This tree has been planted in 1864 as a symbol to the founding of the agricultural school; predecessor of the current multidisciplinary university of Life Sciences. Hence, this tree has been witness to all the knowledge gained at the campus. Taking the lichen symbolises the passing on of these bodies of knowledge to the new campus to inspire further knowledge growth. Given that lichen is a bio-indicator the work of art alludes to the question how we can treat earth responsibly and also unfolds several cultural-historical references, linking agricultural revolution to the biblical expulsion from Paradise and themes from Norwegian mythology. The little symbiotic organism has been captured by means of a high-resolution computed tomography scan (CT-scan). Subsequently a monumental type of filigree modelled after the lichen has been casted in bronze and ‘planted’ on a hill in the heart of a new park scape that will serve as a meeting point in the learning garden for the students. Like lichen, bronze is sensitive to air quality; weathering of the bronze shows through colouring, the appearance of colour streaking and the formation of incrustations. The surface of the bronze sculpture is slightly pre-patinated with a subtle greenish film, to instigate oxidation, and over time it will become greener and gain patina, aging with its environment as it were.
So grateful to work on this project with Koro, guided by such inspiring, engaged projectmanagers and curators Robert Johansson and Trond Hugo Haugen, the team of landscaping architects, advising architects and engineers, Tunge Ting, the team of Kunstgiesserei Kayser (AHW Ingenieurs, model maker Denkmal 3d/ Ego3d, Frank Broos, Transport Niesen) and many more.
Here are some impressions of the installation. I'm looking forward to the moment the artificial hill and the park scape are finished and the work amalgamates with daily life at the campus.
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Feeding from the Tree of Knowledge