Aisling takes us on a journey through the winter landscape to explore our connection to trees.

Winter is a season that highlights resilience and adaptability, unveiling the hidden strategies of survival found in nature. This is particularly evident in the ecosystems and biology of trees.

The short film Branches, inspired by Anya Gallaccio’s Ghost Tree—a sculpture permanently displayed at the Whitworth—explores our connection to trees during the winter months through experimental film and sound that includes an original score.

Trees have long been a central theme in art, appearing in works by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, known for his evocative landscapes, and Paul Nash, whose modernist depictions of nature reflect both beauty and fragility. The Whitworth’s collection also includes pieces by Barbara Hepworth, whose organic sculptures echo the forms and rhythms of trees and their living landscapes.

These artists, alongside many others in the Whitworth’s collection, illustrate the enduring significance of trees as symbols of life, resilience, and transformation. Even in winter, they remain steadfast, a quiet reminder that life persists beneath the surface. Something to be celebrating as we approach the holidays.

In this dormant season, their role in ecosystems is undiminished. Species such as birches, with their light-coloured bark, reflect sunlight to prevent damage from sudden temperature shifts, showcasing nature’s remarkable adaptability.

– Aisling