About the Book
Trees is an ecopoetic work which draws on the ancient story of Erisicthon in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (8.738-878). In this story Erisicthon cuts down a tree inhabited by a Nymph and is consequently punished for his actions by insatiable hunger. To satisfy his appetite he repeatedly sells his daughter until, at last, he devours himself.
Trees uses this old legend as a starting point for an exploration of the relationship between trees and humans today, negotiating the effect and possible consequences of human interventions into the realm of nature. The poetic work uses found material from guidebooks on gardening and news stories alongside Ovid’s text, which has in turn been subjected to chance operations, thus reflecting the power of chance in nature and evolution. The particular mixture of images and text produced by this chance procedure creates a stunning network of references and interrelations which draw attention to the fragile relationship between humankind and nature and asks questions about the power dynamics between the two.
Trees uses this old legend as a starting point for an exploration of the relationship between trees and humans today, negotiating the effect and possible consequences of human interventions into the realm of nature. The poetic work uses found material from guidebooks on gardening and news stories alongside Ovid’s text, which has in turn been subjected to chance operations, thus reflecting the power of chance in nature and evolution. The particular mixture of images and text produced by this chance procedure creates a stunning network of references and interrelations which draw attention to the fragile relationship between humankind and nature and asks questions about the power dynamics between the two.
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About the Creator
Annie Higgen
Glasgow, UK
Annie is a poet and sound artist who works across different media and artforms. Her experimental practice aims for an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary art and frequently incorporates forms of political and social activism. In her work, she alternates between more traditional forms of page-based poetic writing, digital media and sound works.