pascale marthine tayou grows plastic tree at art basel 2015

pascale marthine tayou grows plastic tree at art basel 2015
all images photos by andrea rossetti / courtesy galleria continua, san gimignano / beijing / les moulins

at art basel unlimited 2015, the fair’s unique platform for works that transcend the traditional art-fair stand, galleria continua presents a monumental installation by cameroonian artist pascale marthine tayou. ‘plastic tree’ spans the expansive length of the all-white interior gallery wall, protruding outwards towards approaching visitors.

tree branches of various distances and dimensions grow horizontally from the surface, inverting the usual experience and traditional relationship we have with trees. rather than leaves, the bark bears brightly colored plastic bags on its edges, crudely tied to each organic limb. while the work stands as a visual symbol of the harmful effects of pollution and consumerism on the environment, ‘plastic tree’ is also an investigation towards the artistic qualities of plastic as a medium, and its incorporation with natural materials. 

tree branches of various distances and dimensions grow horizontally from the wall

the horizontal position inverts the traditional relationship we have with the growth of trees

the bark bears brightly colored plastic bags on its edges

the bags are crudely tied to each organic limb, as if stuck there by a passing wind 

‘plastic tree’ serves as a visual symbol of the harmful effects of pollution and consumerism

‘plastic tree’ marks the artist’s investigation of plastic as a medium

detail of ‘plastic tree’ presented by galleria continua at art basel unlimited 

the work protrudes outwards from the gallery wall towards approaching visitors