Prior to my visit to Illinois, I asked Sue (Mac’s Girl), if she’d like to meet while I was there. We met at Morton Arboretum, in Lisle (pronounced “Lyle”) where the “Human + Nature” sculptures were on exhibit. Sue had been to the exhibit before but one sculpture had proved elusive so our mission was to find it. But today we’re starting with the first three sculptures we found.
Internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper created 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures exclusively for the Arboretum featured in various locations across its 1,700 acres, leading guests to areas they may not have explored before. It is his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
“Gingko.” I really like this one.
Flower season was past as in late October, but there was a seasonal display of color nonetheless. Decorative kale is so beautiful.
I believe this one is “Hallow.” Although this appears to be wood, it’s not.
The sculptures are constructed of glass-reinforced concrete, fiberglass and steel. They each weigh several metric tons. They are painted to look like wood.
From what I can determine, this sports the puzzling name of “UMI.” Don’t ask me. The sculptor chose the names and isn’t saying what they mean, asking each individual to determine what the sculpture and name mean. We thought this one might show the two-faced-ness of the world these days. Makes Janus and his two faces seem rather above board! Now that I think of it, this is what my high school students thought I could do. They couldn’t understand how I could see them doing things they shouldn’t. I never enlightened them as to what peripheral vision meant. 🙂 Better to let them fear my powers!
Finally, we have a never-before-seen selfie of the two of us: Sue to the left and I on the right. 🙂
Jo’s Monday Walk 12.5.22
(All quotes are from the Morton Arboretum website.)
This, that and the other thing 
Sculpture and art are meant to explore boundaries, aren’t they, but they do sometimes leave me behind, Janet. Like you I love the idea of Gingko. Isn’t Umi taste in Japanese? No, I think that’s umami? Anyway, I quite like her. I expect we’ll see more? Thanks for sharing.
I like your umami guess but I don’t think so. I’m happy you enjoyed the sculptures, though, and yes, you’ll see more 🙂
🤗💖
it’s beautiful and it is immediately in our head as a good memory….
Good. That gets my Monday off to a grand start. Merci!
Amazing sculptures, I’ve never seen anything like them.
I hadn’t either. I quite enjoyed them as well as the beautiful natural surroundings.
Definitely a nice walk in the park.
True, Judy, even though the Arboretum is so large that we walked, then drove, parked, walked, repeat. 🙂
Gorgeous artwork, love the first ans last one, before the selfie 🙂
I enjoyed them as well, Ritva. They were so interesting and I was surprised to find that the ones that looked like wood weren’t, although I guess wood wouldn’t last as well outdoors.
I love outdoor sculpture gardens. Some amazing art here! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for walking along and commenting, Julie. There will be more for you to enjoy too.
The sculptures are unique!
They are and in a pleasant way. I’ve seen unique sculptures that I didn’t care for at all but I enjoyed these.
That’s true. I really like these!
The ones painted to look like wood are really neat. The one with the many parts of the face reminded me of our 5 senses…but I don’t see an ear or did I miss it?
Good call, Deborah, although I don’t see an ear. Could be one on the other side though. I thought the wood look was very authentic.
Haha! I love the selfie! Beautiful pictures reminding me of a very enjoyable day with you at the Arboretum.
It was a good one.
A fine portrait of the two of you. I am not very good at divining the inner meaning of artworks, I just look at them.
Just enjoy them. That’s a good meaning.
I absolutely love that you take time to meet fellow bloggers. It is a culture in itself, isn’t it? The sculptures are fantastic. I loved Ginko too, but to ponder some of the others is what would make the walk and garden visit fun. Great self portrait. That would be an “usie”
Meeting other bloggers is a big part of the fun. An “usie”, eh? Makes sense. But I took the photo so maybe it’s a selfie and an “otherie”. 🙂
lol. yes…that works too.
These are beautiful sculptures! I particularly like the first one and the lady sculpture as well. Great to have caught up with a fellow blogger on a nice day 👍
I like the gingko sculpture too, Teresa, and meeting other bloggers is always fun.
Interesting sculptures! Looks like you two had a good day
We really did.
😊😊
I love the first photo. I look at these sculptures and wonder where different artists get their inspiration. Very unusual art creations.
I’m the same way!
Amazing sculptures, Janet! Thanks for the enjoyable walk through your beautiful images.
Always my pleasure to have you visit, Amy. There will be a few more sculptures as well.
Amazing sculptures and meeting other bloggers is always a bonus
You’re right on both counts, Pauline. Best to you and Jack.
LOVE the sculptures.
They really were something!
They’re amazing!