Amidst the tall buildings of this rapidly transforming neighbourhood, Evor has planted a majestic 20-metre-tall tree.
This metasequoia – also known as a “dawn redwood” – is a rare deciduous conifer: after a flamboyant parade of golden yellows, oranges and copper reds in autumn, it loses all its leaves in winter, only to return to its vibrant green tones in the spring.
Just like in past village squares, where a tree would act as a central, protective figure storing the secrets of several generations, this tree is surrounded by a massive ring – a psellion, i.e., an ancient cuff bracelet – that both protects it and confirms its presence as a treasure that must be defended. At its centre, farfugia, horsetail, and other rushes colonize the space around the base of the tree. Between artefact and natural phenomenon, this work can be seen as a “sensorial refuge” where locals and visitors can enjoy a modest resurgence of nature and discover a new view of the city.
Evor was born in 1975 in Nantes. He works and lives in Nantes.
Une œuvre Art et Territoire. Avec le soutien de : Groupe Duval, Icade, Marignan, Groupe Chessé, Air France.
From the same artist
Nantes is transforming
Nantes is changing to become an even more ecological, inclusive, and dynamic city. To do this, new public works will reinforce our already existing ecofriendly modes of transport: new tram lines, green zones for pedestrians and cyclists, and more. From 2024, these major urban projects will disrupt traffic around Les Machines de l’Île and Parc des Chantiers, with the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge closed off to cars (the bridge will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists). Solutions will be offered throughout construction to make it easier for everyone to get around, like: increased frequency of several public transport lines, more Naolib bike-share bicycles, and more parking spots in park-and-ride lots.
For further information
Boulevard de la Prairie au duc 44000 NANTES
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking Les Nefs, Parking Les Machines
Public transport: Prairie au Duc, Quai des Antilles, Gare Maritime
Self-service bicycles: Grue Jaune (n°103), Machine De L'île (n°43), Antilles (n°104)
Visual artwork.
