"The new Witness Trees installation is inspired by the
state's orthogonal grid. A grid of sixteen Bald Cypress trees sit at
the site's center. Fences project the grid into the third dimension
and record the cast shadows of trees. Through the planting of
southern trees in northern land, new Witness Trees invokes the
history of the Great Migration and establishes a spirit grove to keep
the neighborhood safe. Reminiscent of the southern tradition of
bottle trees, visitors are asked to record a sentiment or message of
witness onto a reflective foil that is then tied to the tree
branches. As fall gives way to winter, the grove glistens with light
and reflection. Once spring returns, the witness trees will find a
new home with residents of the South Side, where they will witness a
new history." - Hood Design Studio
Witness Tress will grow to witness Chicago's future.
