Fabrice Samyn
The Iconoclast Tree
2021
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Copyright the artist; Sies + Höke, Düsseldorf; Photo Simon Vogel
Gold leaf on wood
55 x 35 x 32 cm
Both painting and sculpture, this work consists of a wedge of a tree trunk, the cut surface of which has been painted with a golden flame. The tree rings add to the effect. The work contains an ambiguity of nature and culture, contemplating how trees are cut and earth is dug in order to create objects of worship. This ties in with the current debate over several hundred very old oak trees cut down for the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris.
