Nature Series (2016-2022)

Transcendence (2022). 2.5 minute HD video based on 3D painting on layered Perspex. Exhibited in Lausanne 2024.

"The Message" 2020. Ink and acrylic on canvas. 75x100cm. Shortlisted and won Highly Commended prize for 2020 Mandorla Religious Art Prize, WA.

Family Tree, 2018. Acrylic and ink on canvas. 150x90cm.

"Botanica" 2018. Ink and acrylic on paper. 160x120cm.

Tree of Man #5 (The Messenger) 2018. Acrylic on canvas. 75x100cm

Tree of Man #2, 2018. Acrylic and ink on canvas. 75x100cm.

“Tree of Man” 2018. Ink and acrylic on paper. 70x100cm

“Symbiosis” 2018. Acrylic and ink on canvas. 70x100cm.

“Terra Nova” 2018. Ink and acrylic on canvas. 100x100cm. Shortlisted for 2018 Mandorla Religious Art Award, Perth WA. Acquired for the New Norcia Museum religious art collection, WA.

“Heart and Soul” 2016. Ink and acrylic on canvas. Shortlisted for 2016 Mandorla Religious Art Prize and acquired for the New Norcia Museum religous art collection, WA.

“Eternal Garden” 2016. 3x Lightboxes (each 60x85cm). Artwork is pinholes on paper.

“Forest” 2017. Acrylic on canvas. 90x120cm. This artwork was used as front cover for debut vinyl LP by US electronic band Treesspeak (Cinedelic Records, Italy).

“Nestling” 2017. Acrylic on canvas. 60x60cm. Back cover of record Trees Speak (Cinedelic)

“Symmetry of Nature” 2016. Triptych, each piece is 90x90cm. Ink and acrylic on canvas.

Description

I have long been drawn to the physical form of trees, and enjoy pondering the spiritual allure and natural mystery of forests. In my earlier career as a scientist I lived in Lausanne, Switzerland (1992-94) and took weekly walks through the nearby woods. More recently I lived on the mid-north coast of NSW, Australia near a preserved rainforest, which had an immense influence on my art. The images shown here are original paintings and pinhole lightboxes exploring our connection with the natural world and themes of symbiosis and metamorphosis.

It is easy to appreciate forests as living systems with their own innate internal communication and survival mechanisms. Trees can communicate through their root systems via mycelial (fungal filaments) connections in a manner somewhat similar to the nervous systems of animals. The biological communication within forest systems is a key topic in relation to understanding ecosystems and the impact of humans on the planet.

Date

2016-2022

URL

www.berichenderson.com/