Arbol Adentro

An Ongoing Project Inspired by the Resilience and Grace of Trees

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This ongoing project draws inspiration from the resilience and grace of trees, which root deeply and rise skyward, symbolizing personal growth and grounding in our true nature. Throughout the seasons, trees remain steadfast and genuine, never pretending to be anything other than what they are. I have always seen trees as silent witnesses to our lives, outlasting us and standing as symbols of continuity and transformation.

 

As such, trees serve as metaphors and guides for human life: they create rooted connections with our surroundings and embody the cyclical nature of existence in a predominantly linear society. This project also refers to earlier legal works on the rights of nature, such as "Should Trees Have Standing?" by Christopher Stone, and explores the transformation in thought, values, and cultural patterns of predominantly Western societies compared to many Indigenous cosmologies around the world. It encompasses eco-feminist perspectives on the body and female emancipation.

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My paintings depict trees as androgynous figures, sometimes with feminine features. This ambiguity reflects the essence of nature—an entity that simply is, without the need for strict definitions or boundaries.

Trees feature prominently in many spiritual and religious narratives. For example, the Buddha found enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, Yggdrasil (the Norse World Tree) connects different realms, and the tree of knowledge in Christian mythology symbolizes profound human experiences. These stories highlight the powerful relationship between human transformation and trees.

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By drawing inspiration from these narratives, my project seeks to explore the interconnectedness of all life forms and the deep wisdom that trees embody. The project encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys of growth and transformation, grounded in the steadfast presence of nature. Trees, with their resilience and grace, offer us a powerful symbol of how we can remain true to ourselves while adapting to the ever-changing world around us.

In essence, this project is a call to recognize the beauty and strength within us all, to honor the natural world, and to embrace the cyclical nature of life. It is an invitation to connect more deeply with our surroundings and with each other, fostering a sense of unity and continuity that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.