Tree Full of Life

Maria Fernanda Cardoso

Drawing reproduced in metal

2020

Commissioned by HARC for the Westmead Hospital Redevelopment Project

Location Foyer Atrium Main Entry

In this work I explore the symbolism of the Tree of Life that extends to many cultures and traditions, symbolising eternal life and strength. It also connects to the Hippocrates Tree, under which Hippocrates’ knowledge was told.

I wanted to connect those two powerful symbols with the Tree of Life in Biology. First proposed by Charles Darwin as a metaphor which expresses the idea that all life is related. Instead of showing only one grand tree - a single living organism, the work shows many other species that inhabit a tree. These are normally not perceived as they like to be camouflaged: insects. The Tree Full of Life is a celebration of life, a multi-species tree with leaves made up of all sorts of insects that mimic plant life. If you look carefully you will see the butterflies, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, etc.