Rooted

A new special at Wakehurst, Kew, opens on 7 July and features a host of di erent artistic approaches to the humble tree

This summer, Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex celebrates one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees. Vital to human existence, trees form the life support of the planet, from storing carbon and sheltering wildlife, to providing shade and being scientifically proven to ease stress. In recognition of the phenomenal power of these woodland wonders, Wakehurst has commissioned a series of award-winning artists to create a series of spectacular outdoor installations across the 535-acre site.

Forming Wakehurst’s largest summer programme to date, the eight installations capture a broad range of artistic practices, from sculpture to sound. Taking inspiration from Wakehurst’s varied landscapes and ecology, each piece will explore a distinct theme and allow visitors of all ages to explore new perspectives on nature.

Chila Burman brings her signature colourful style to the heart of the Wakehurst landscape in a new major commission, celebrating the inspiring impact trees have had on her practice since childhood. The 10m structures form a joyful explosion of vibrant neon colours, accompanied by delicate creations in the shape of bees, illustrating the close relationship which exists between trees and invertebrates, and the threat climate change poses to them.

Acclaimed sculptor Joseph Hillier similarly reflects on the communication network hidden in nature in his series of human portraits carved from trees lost to Storm Arwen in Northumberland, in a considered e ort to make art in a more sustainable way. The hand-crafted sculptures will sit upon plinths, creating their own network of quiet exchange, inviting visitors to contemplate their place in the wider natural world. Exposing once hidden decay, the work will also draw attention to the threat of fungal diseases that plague many tree species across the country, including ash dieback and Dutch elm disease.

Hidden Orchestra, created by composer Joe Acheson, returns to Wakehurst with a new immersive soundscape work, Sonic Woodland IV. The audio work creates an enveloping sound experience using a bespoke system designed by spatial audio engineer Tim Southorn, coupling the sounds of the botanical forest with generative music, to create a living piece of music that is constantly evolving, reflecting the non-human timescales of the interactions which are constantly unfolding between plants, trees, and the underground mushroom networks in the woods.

Visitors are also invited to reflect on their time in nature in Forest Megaphones designed by Estonian artist Birgit Õigus. Formed of three giant wooden megaphones each measuring 3m in diameter, the megaphones create the perfect place for visitors to sit, escape from everyday pressures, and feel grounded in a peaceful, beautiful setting.

kew.org/wakehurst