Jane Cavanough
Hand forged metal
2020
The tree guards are inspired by the structure of DNA, composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms.
The work shows a protective embrace, inspired by the Hippocratic Oath. The work also protects the trees, clones of the legendary Tree of Hippocrates, from Kos, Greece. It is said that the tree, now 500 years old, is a descendant from the same plane tree under which Hippocrates taught his pupils the art of medicine 2400 years ago. The cloned trees have been donated by the University of Sydney to Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Commissioned by HARC for the Westmead Hospital Redevelopment Project