Daniel Popper, a talented South African artist, is currently growing his range of striking sculptures at The Morton Arboretum. His captivating Human+Nature exhibition has been featured in the 1,700-acre arboretum since 2021 and will continue to be showcased until 2023. Popper has recently included three additional sculptures to the existing collection of five, enhancing the exhibition’s significance as his most comprehensive display to date.
Popper’s latest additions to his collection of sculptures aim to connect people and trees while inspiring a sense of wonder. This aligns perfectly with The Morton Arboretum’s mission to promote the growth of trees and educate the public about their significance. These new sculptures, set to debut in 2022, mark a fitting tribute to the arboretum’s centennial celebrations. Interestingly, one of the sculptures was specifically designed to commemorate this special milestone.
Daniel Popper, a South African artist, has recently added three exquisite sculptures at The Morton Arboretum. One of his masterpieces, called Ginkgo, is situated outside the visitor’s center and serves as a stunning welcome for tourists. It features the face of a woman surrounded by ginkgo leaves, symbolizing the diverse range of trees in the arboretum, which founder Jay Morton was exceptionally fond of. Jay’s love for this incredible tree has been immortalized in the sculpture that commemorates the longevity of the arboretum. The extensive collection of ginkgo trees on the grounds includes 15 cultivars and 77 specimens.
Popper’s other sculptures, Mycelia and Ephemera, celebrate various types of fungi and plant life found on the property. By depicting nature in this way, the artist urges us to reflect on the interconnectedness between humans and trees and our role in preserving the environment. You can find Ephemera in a meadow while Mycelia is located in a secluded wooded area, adding to the thrill of a treasure hunt as visitors explore the grounds in search of these magnificent sculptures.
