30-foot bronze trees placed in Madison Square Park

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Italian artist Giuseppe Penone presents three sculptural installations in new york city’s Madison Square Park, examining the relationship between art and nature. ‘ideas of stone’ are 30-foot-tall bronze trees that stand throughout the grassy environment, each weighing between 8,000 and 12,000 pounds. nestled in the barren metallic branches and limbs are huge rocks, precariously balanced in the open spaces. The unusual visual juxtaposes the conventional context of the natural landscape, playing with perception and challenging the norm. Highly-detailed elements generated from the bronze casting process make them appear as if they are real trees integrated into the park. Upon closer view, the towering structures reveal their intention: t0 highlight the relationships amongst man, sculpture, and nature with natural elements and forms. Penone’s trees will be publicly displayed through february 9, 2014 as part of the mad. sq. art program.

Installation view of giuseppe penone’s ideas of stone (idee di pietra) in Madison Square Park, 2013
photography by james ewing / courtesy of madison square park conservancy

installation view of giuseppe penone’s ideas of stone (idee di pietra) in madison square park, 2013
photography by james ewing / courtesy of madison square park conservancy

What are some of the coolest art sculptures you’ve seen in parks?

Tags:

bronze artwork, bronze trees, custom statues, madison square park, new york city, new york city artwork, public art

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