Family Tree

elin o’Hara slavick, Madeleine Slavick, Sarah Slavick, Susanne Slavick

5/24/2023 - (Extended)12/10/2023

Nicholas Gallery

In a 1940 poem, Bertolt Brecht asked:

What kind of times are they, when

To talk about trees is almost a crime

Because it implies silence about so many horrors?

In a 1995 poem, Adrienne Rich answered:

...so why do I tell you

anything? Because you still listen, because in times like these

to have you listen at all, it's necessary

to talk about trees.

Family Tree brings together the work of four sisters to ‘talk about trees.’ As curators, painters, photographers, and writers, we portray trees in and outside of human care and conflict. In exploring the multitude of relations within and between trees and humans, genealogical roots and botanical roots intertwine.

Whether bombed or irradiated, contained or sidelined, in underground union or standing in persistence, trees and their representations can offer solace and space—for the necessity of talking, listening, and learning. Family Tree offers both critical commentary and sensual delight in visualizing the tree as refuge and livelihood, consumed and consuming, under assault and triumphant, as historical record, and as harbinger of things to come.

With thanks for support from:

The City of Boston, College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University, Hiroshima City University, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Lesley University and Masterton Creative Communities/Creative New Zealand.