Boxed Tops

Nine pollarded willows line a slightly sloping path, with the two outermost trees standing out as dominant figures due to their impressive size. In between, white translucent cubes hover sternly around the pruned tops, their dimensions directly related to the size of the trees.

The ’touched heads’ of the trees communicate in a visually implicit way, their presence still strongly felt. Despite being enclosed, the tops of the trees continue to grow, their branches reaching upwards and interacting with the surrounding light. In bright sunlight, the treetops stand out, while in softer light they remain more subdued.

The construction of the boxes that enclose the tops of the trees is simple but effective. Four lightweight wooden frames, each covered with stretched banners, form a cube, creating a spatial canvas within the environment. However, installing these boxes on the unpredictable pollarded willows presented its own challenges, requiring a different approach for each tree.

To enhance the view of the cubes, the encroaching weeds are cleared to reveal an uneven, carpet-like surface. The environment acts as a backdrop for the trees and the installation remains visible from a distance. The irregular arrangement of white cubes creates an almost sterile settlement that undeniably transforms the landscape and becomes its landmark.

Curated by Patrick Merckaert

Sponsored by Dirk De Nul & Co and with the support of Paul Claeyé