'Of The Earth' To Feature Massive Sculptures At Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL — Artist Olga Ziemska used fallen linden, black cherry, willow and other branches to create "Of the Earth" the newest exhibition at Morton Arboretum. The exhibition, which opens May 26, features five massive sculptures that range in size from five to 45 feet.

“I use art as a tool to better understand the things we often overlook,” Ziemska said in a news release. "Humans have a complex relationship with the natural world, but there is no separation between people and nature. Everything on Earth is of the Earth."

In addition to natural materials gathered from the grounds of the arboretum, Ziemska also used steel and concrete to create her sculptures. The featured pieces include:

• Stillness in Motion: The Matka series, a six-foot tall mother figure made of willow branches
• Ona, a 14-foot tall female figure with reflective eyes and hair made from branches
• Oculus, two 10-foot tall sculptures of human heads
• Strata, a 45-foot long sculpture of a woman in repose
• Hear: With an ear to the ground, a five foot tall sculpture depicting a human head

According to Morton Arboretum, "Of the Earth" is their first big sculpture exhibition by a woman. It also marks the largest exhibition of Ziemska's career.

Arboretum members can get into opening day of "Of the Earth" at 7 a.m. on May 26 and nonmembers can enter the exhibit as of 12 p.m.