Among the Trees enters its final month

As we continue to tick off the exhibitions that Covid-19 has delayed us from seeing, it’s time for Among the Trees at London’s Hayward Gallery.

At a time when many of us have been cooped up, Among the Trees offers a breath of fresh air and a multimedia celebration of the natural world.  

Bringing together major works by 37 artists from across the globe, it is the first comprehensive UK exhibition exploring trees and forests in contemporary art.

It sees the likes of Mariele Neudecker, Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Ugo Rondinone, Giuseppe Penone, Steve McQueen, Jennifer Steinkamp, Zoe Leonard and Robert Adams consider trees as both cultural symbols and living organisms, as well as their enduring appeal as sources of inspiration, through immersive video installations, life-sized sculptures, paintings and intimate black-and-white photographs. ​

During a time when travel is off the cards for most of us, it also transports us across the globe, from Colombian rainforests to Japanese jungles, olive orchards in Israel and Scandinavian woods.

Highlights include Giuseppe Penone’s looming six-metre-high wooden scultpure, Eva Jospin’s intricate cardboard creation, Forêt Palatine, and Eija-Liisa Ahtila’s 16-metre-long video portrait of a Finnish spruce that takes up the entire back wall of the exhibition space.

Ralph Rugoff, Director of the Hayward Gallery, says: ​“Nature has played a large part in our lives throughout the pandemic, and I am delighted that the public will once again have the opportunity to see this exhibition of inspiring works by 37 artists, all of which invite us to think about the inspiring roles that trees and forests play in our lives and imaginations. Our staff have worked hard to ensure that reopening the Hayward Gallery is first and foremost safe, but also that viewing the works remains a deeply engaging and delightful experience. Both art and nature can play a vital role in our sense of wellbeing, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the public back into the Gallery.”

All visitors must book online before visiting; NHS workers, Southbank Centre Members and Supporters go free, Lambeth residents and under 30s are eligible for £5 tickets but online advance booking is essential. It is also mandatory for all visitors to wear face coverings.

Among the Trees will run until 31 October. Click here for tickets and more information.