T(H)REE -
HAQUE TAN
Usman and Ling’s series of five interactive sculptures at Clarence Gardens are an invitation to connect in a unique conversation with a very important old London Plane tree - known affectionately as the Story Tree and inspiration for the Story Trail project.
Incorporating charred oak, rusted steel, and planted with sedum and daisies, the undulating hand-made sculptures represent the Story Tree’s roots, offering an innovative way to speak directly to the tree and to its two companion trees. Crouch down by the sculptures, ask a question and the tree will answer, sharing its life and stories.
Echoed across the gardens the interconnected, interdependent root systems of the three trees are represented in the painted markings and embedded cobble stones.
With thanks to Gary Campbell and Glynde Forge for producing and fabricating the sculptures, to Liam McGough for his arboricultural advice and keen support, and to the team at OpenView for their electrical installation expertise. And huge thanks also to the amazing landscaping team lead by Marc van Gilst at Lush Landscapes.
‘We were intrigued to find that the Story Tree had two genetically identical siblings nearby, part of a broader network of living beings, linked by underground roots and shared history. With T(h)ree we hoped to explore how blending ‘natural’ intelligence, ‘artificial’ intelligence, and the full spectrum of ‘human’ intelligence in the landscape of Clarence Gardens could create new forms of interaction and understanding between all species – human and non-human alike’ - Usman Haque & Ling Tan
The photos on this page were taken by Alice Horsley, Nick Turpin and Project Producer, Sarah Nicholl. Thank you very much for your brilliant work.
