Created using the silhouette of a dead tree, this 12-metre (39-foot) tall work consists of three identical trees cast in bronze, upon which approximately 80 birds, in five different designs, are perched.
As an initial nod to the saying, “not seeing the forest for the trees,” the average urbanite’s desire for a forest is subtly woven into this urban environment. The work is subtly made part of the park, and comes to life at dusk as the golden birds glow in a gentle halo of twilight.
Un arbre-la forêt was created for the 2024 Voyage à Nantes, which celebrated trees. It was restored, and the birds in its branches have since been gilded in gold leaf.
Éric Fonteneau was born in 1954. He lives and works in Nantes.
Square Élisa-Mercœur, Cours John Kennedy, Nantes
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking Baco-LU 1 côté gare, Parking Baco-LU 2 côté CHU, Parking Feydeau, Parking Gare Château, Parking Decré-Bouffay, Parking Cité des Congrès, Parking Hôtel Dieu
Public transport: Monteil, Duchesse Anne - Château, Bouffay, Lieu Unique
Self-service bicycles: Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Baco (n°52), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Château (n°50), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Lieu unique (n°61), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Duchesse anne (n°49), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Bouffay (n°20), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Strasbourg (n°3), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Verdun (n°48), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Olivettes (n°53), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Cité internationale des congrès (n°54), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Ricordeau (n°38)