“Since 2010, over 100 million trees have died in California alone–ravaged by beetles, drought, fires and more. Humans and trees are bound in reciprocity. In addition to shade, shelter and food, trees produce oxygen and take up the carbon dioxide that we increasingly spew into the atmosphere. In many cultures, trees are a symbol of life itself. What does it mean that the trees are dying?
This exhibition chronicles the ecological changes in a few locations in southern California from Torrey Pines State Park, Mount Cuchama, Mount Laguna and Pine Creek Wilderness in San Diego County, to Joshua Tree, Walker Pass and Alta Sierra further north. Coastal chaparral, pines, oaks, Tecate cypress, and more are represented in sumptuous photomontages that express the dynamic qualities of these environments. As opposed to the grandiose sublime, these visuals encourage active exploration, offering glimpses, or incomplete views at a variety of scales evocative of the enchanted vibrancy of life.”
For more information visit http://visarts.ucsd.edu/events/ruth-wallen-remember-trees