I'll SEE YOU IN THE TREES

Nina Sumarac Jablonsky

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(work in process)

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Concept and digital processing: Nina Sumarac Jablonsky

Animation and video editing: Nicos Synnos

Sound:

Drawings: various participants listed within the catalog

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Theme: Inspiration for the title is taken from the lyrics  “Sycamore Trees” by Angelo Badalamenti / David K. Lynch

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For Carl Jung, the tree symbolized the Self, androgyny (integration and equality between the masculine and feminine principles), and individuation.

 “I see you in the trees” is a comparative study of people and trees, which explores humanity and its complexities within the context of nature, thus forging a path to self-realization. In a bid to convey dynamic connectivity, which neutralizes bias while initiating empathy and compassion, participants were asked to illustrate their innermost self while considering the anatomical attributes of trees. It is these deep personal insights, which the artist has forested into a collective plantation of 100 curated selves/people that offers viewers a truly polyphonous experience. Each depiction is unique, flawed and beautiful.

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The inspiration for this two-year project stems from my childhood fascination with trees. As a young tree hugger, whenever feeling rootless and disconnected with the world around me, I would seek to redress the balance through my woodland allies. Touching them and listening to what they had to say was a practice that grounded me in their fundamental essence. I could see myself in them and vice versa. Re-establishing this true love and symbiotic connection is an attempt at saving trees and people simultaneously. A passionate vision I have long been invested in.
Scientific inquiry is finally aligning itself with a long-established belief in the sophisticated network of communication, which trees engage with to sustain and nurture each other. This primitive discourse resonates so well with humanity and its depiction comes at a crucial time since both are under threat. Over the past 20 years Cyprus for instance has experienced an alarming rise in forest fires. Due to the Mediterranean climate, accompanied by climate change, global warming and negligence, vast hectares of forest have been lost. The oldest living organism on the island is woven into its very fabric. Standing as a monument of history, trees such as the 1500 year old terebinth tree mark a chronology of existent generations. Thus, this work branches into a nurturing parallel between two fundamental living organisms in a way that celebrates their past, present and future interconnectivity.