Human + Nature

What is human nature?

Is it base? Or something greater?

Are we apart from nature or a part of it?

We ask the questions for which we seek the answers.

It’s human nature.

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Human + Nature at The Morton Arboretum.

“I am amazed by the size and scale of the Human + Nature outdoor art! Daniel Popper has brought all the sculptures to life with beauty and elegance. The textures look so real, even up close. This is a very memorable experience. The art is more interactive than anything I have seen before!”

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois is hosting the outdoor art exhibition, “Human + Nature” by internationally acclaimed artist Daniel Popper. The series of five 15’–26′ tall sculptures is set in place for at least one year. The first three works of art stand near the Visitor Center in a walk less than a mile long. The other two sculptures are located near the Thornhill Education Center. The Morton Arboretum covers about 1,700 acres. For those who like to walk, it’s a hike. Others might prefer to drive through the underpass toward the other side of the grounds.

We walked, we talked; and, this is our story.

Lisa, my mom and I trekked to see these five outdoor sculptures that beckoned us with their allure of large scale impression and interactivity. Some of the art works stood in place, seemingly moving against the sky or treeline. Others moved us to action, calling us to come closer and step inside or through the entities that appeared sentient. At least one of them was.

“The Human + Nature sculptures by Daniel Popper are huge and show lots of detail! I love the expressions on the faces. The textures are amazing. These beautiful works of art in nature stimulate the soul perfectly. This is what we need now!”

The first sculpture was “Hallow,” the one that seduced me into wanting to see her. She did not disappoint. Her massive size and tender expression were playful, attracting us for our own reasons, some worn on the surface, others more deep seated. Her magnetic pull was old as time itself.

Our energies aroused, we walked to the second exhibit, “Sentient,” that spoke to us on a higher level. The moving parts were not, but they seemed so, if that makes sense. We expanded our minds, witnessing the explosion of consciousness in the wake of surrendering the self. Appreciating the form of this enigma, I concluded that the farthest reaches originates with a big bang.

The third act was announced by the arrival of “Umi” on the path. She resembled “Hallow,” but maybe as her more put together older sister. She was positively glowing, embracing life. Her welcoming arms provided shelter from the elements and a pregnant pause. Moving forward into the brilliant light felt like renewal.

On the other side of the arboretum, we hiked toward the Thornhill Education Center. Two sculptures stood patiently, and they were worth the wait. “Basilica” was the first landscape-oriented art work. The hands seemed to scoop up all who were willing to be received freely, such was the price of inclusion. Were these hands representative of nature or ourselves?

Not a stretch too far was the fifth sculpture, “Heartwood.” Of all the exhibits, I would say that she was definitely the most radiant. Her adornments were dazzling, but her unique individuality shined so brightly. Her whorls of essence undulated hypnotically. We were mesmerized and enchanted.

Physically spent but mentally recharged, we floated back to the Visitor Center. The Morton Arboretum is a birder’s paradise, but today she showed off sights never before seen. I can only imagine how Daniel Popper’s “Human + Nature” will shift moods with the seasons. Or like humans?

It’s human nature.

“Human + Nature at The Morton Arboretum is so inspiring! Daniel Popper captures the delicate balance between people and the environment. Seeing the outdoor sculptures from afar, then up close, piques our curiosity and draws out our fascination with nature, much like when we were children!”

With the day behind us, I asked everyone for their first impressions. Mom: “The Human + Nature sculptures by Daniel Popper are huge and show lots of detail! I love the expressions on the faces. The textures are amazing. These beautiful works of art in nature stimulate the soul perfectly. This is what we need now!” Lisa: “I am amazed by the size and scale of the Human + Nature outdoor art! Daniel Popper has brought all the sculptures to life with beauty and elegance. The textures look so real, even up close. This is a very memorable experience. The art is more interactive than anything I have seen before!” And me: “Human + Nature at The Morton Arboretum is so inspiring! Daniel Popper captures the delicate balance between people and the environment. Seeing the outdoor sculptures from afar, then up close, piques our curiosity and draws out our fascination with nature, much like when we were children!”

My first experience at The Morton Arboretum was when I was an elementary school student on a field trip. I remember that I saw a blue jay flash. Years later, I returned on my own and caught a glimpse of an oriole. This time, I saw something beyond my knowledge and imagination. I felt enlivened during our tour of the exhibition, and was rewarded with enrichment thereafter. Every turn of the path through the woods brought us to a new revelation, like casting light on the dark corners of our minds. This was a gift from nature, The Morton Arboretum. Or was it a gift from a human, Daniel Popper?

It’s “Human + Nature.”

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To learn more or plan your visit to Human + Nature at The Morton Arboretum, click Human + Nature | The Morton Arboretum

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To experience an amazing dynamic presentation of Human + Nature, click on the link to my Adobe Spark photoblog at Adobe Spark – Human + Nature

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