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Aging Tree 1 - Alan Sonfist

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About the artwork

Aging Tree 1
Alan Sonfist
American, born 1946
1968
United States
106.7 × 71.1 cm (42 × 82 in.)
Chromogenic print, leaves, and oil on canvas
Gift of Paula and Herbert Molner
['painting', 'modern and contemporary art']

In "Aging Tree 1," Alan Sonfist captures a moment of connection between humanity and nature. The artwork features a tree in the center, with hands embracing its textured trunk, symbolizing a deep bond with the natural world. The blue framing adds a serene backdrop, inviting viewers to reflect on the harmony found in this relationship.

At the bottom, fallen leaves suggest the passage of time, hinting at the tree's aging process. This speaks to the cycles of life and the memories held in nature. The gentle grip of the hands evokes a sense of protection and care, encouraging contemplation about our responsibility toward the environment. Through these elements, Sonfist's work resonates with a powerful message of interconnectedness, urging us to cherish the natural world that sustains us.


About the artist

Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603


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