This summer, Leeds is transforming its cityscape with a whimsical art installation that personifies trees throughout the city center.
Titled the ‘Trees Are Alive,’ the project features the creative vision of artist and designer Joe Mason, who has revitalized the urban greenery by decorating 53 trees with over 100 charming artworks. These pieces include eyes, mouths, teeth, and abstract shapes, adding personality and expression to each tree.
The art installation spans three central locations — City Square, Albion Place, and Queen Square. By employing simple materials to craft facial expressions, Mason gives these trees their own unique characters, enhancing the city’s appeal with this playful and imaginative display.
Artist and designer, Joe Mason said:
“I wanted to tap into the universal human instinct to find patterns and faces in the world around us. We’re drawn to seek out the personality in everyday objects and that’s what I want to celebrate by drawing attention to the natural world within the city – and most importantly make people smile.”
Set to debut on May 22, the installation is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be on display for the duration of the summer. Adding an interactive element, artist Joe Mason will conduct a children’s workshop on August 7, offering participants the opportunity to create their own tree characters.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education said:
“Joe Mason’s art installation is a wonderful way to bring more play and imagination into the city centre, encouraging visitors to stay curious about nature and not just view it as static. Next time you find yourself wandering through the city centre, take a moment to pause, look up and appreciate our new friendly trees. We are working towards Leeds being the best city in the UK for children to grow up in and the new installation puts them at the heart of the city centre.”
Joe Mason’s art installation transforms ordinary trees into captivating figures, encouraging us to view them not merely as static fixtures, but as living entities deserving of our attention and care. By endowing these trees with human-like traits, his work ignites curiosity and fosters interactions, highlighting the crucial role trees play in our ecosystem.
Next time you’re in Leeds City Centre, take a moment to pause and appreciate the living sculptures that Joe has created. The the ‘Trees Are Alive’ installation is an invitation to deepen your connection with nature and with each other, offering a chance to create memorable and emotionally rich experiences.
The ‘Trees Are Alive’ will launch at 11am on May 22, 2024, featuring artworks located throughout Albion Place, City Square, and Queen’s Gardens in Leeds City Centre www.thetreesarealive.com
